Story perspectives

Adelaide University Faces Backlash for Censoring UN Official

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Adelaide University canceled a high-profile event featuring UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese.
The event, part of Constellations: Not Writers' Week, will now be held at Norwood Concert Hall with Albanese participating via video link.
Organizers accused the university of succumbing to fear and media pressure.
The university said the booking did not follow proper procedures.
Critics, including Louise Adler, the former Adelaide Writers' Week director, condemned the decision as censorship.

1 of 1

Story summary

Adelaide University canceled a high-profile event featuring UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese.
The event, part of Constellations: Not Writers' Week, will now be held at Norwood Concert Hall with Albanese participating via video link.
Organizers accused the university of succumbing to fear and media pressure.
The university said the booking did not follow proper procedures.
Critics, including Louise Adler, the former Adelaide Writers' Week director, condemned the decision as censorship.