In a win for the political right, student activist Ryan Higginson has been suspended from La Trobe University. For eight months, the 19-year-old will be unable to attend classes or set foot on any La Trobe campus.

According to its own regulations, the Misconduct Office that investigated Higginson is bound by the rules of “natural justice”. But in La Trobe’s kangaroo court, he was denied legal representation at the hearing. He was prohibited even to be accompanied by someone with legal training. And the full evidence against him was not available to Higginson or his lawyers.

Higginson was accused of putting up posters that name and quote elected La Trobe Student Union office bearers. The quotes were taken from a student council meeting that debated Israel’s most recent assault on Gaza.

The posters are alleged to have created an intimidatory atmosphere on the campus. The charge is obviously ludicrous. Does the Labor Party create an intimidatory atmosphere when it puts up posters that quote Tony Abbott? What about a newspaper that publishes a politician’s comment? Students have a right to know what happens in the student council and the arguments that their representatives make there.

Another deeply concerning aspect of this case relates to the influence of federal politicians. Education minister Christopher Pyne published an op-ed piece in the Australian just days before Higginson received notice of his misconduct charges. The minister had demanded that university administrations crack down on left wing activists and put aside concerns about “free speech”.

The day after Higginson received his notice, Labor MP Michael Danby announced that he had written an appeal to the university and had received a prompt phone call from the vice-chancellor in return. He declared that the disciplinary hearings would be held as a result of his representations to the university.

There is no doubt that there is a campaign of intimidation occurring on university campuses. It is being waged against left wing activists.

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Jessica Lenehan is the La Trobe University Students Representative Council education (public affairs) officer. This article was written in an individual capacity.