Dr Eric Descheemaeker, a law professor at the University of Melbourne, is leaving the university after settling a legal dispute. The conflict began when a 2023 email he wrote was leaked on campus. In that email, Descheemaeker said the Melbourne law school was controlled by "'Blak' activists" who were leading it to "destruction". He also called the school an "ideological re-education camp". The university tried to sack him after the email became public and started a cultural safety review. Descheemaeker denied any wrongdoing, claiming his comments were political opinions covered under academic freedom. He then sued the university for discrimination, saying the university suspended him because of his political views. In a recent email to staff, MLS dean Professor Michelle Foster confirmed that both sides have now settled their dispute, including the federal court case, on confidential terms. She said, "Professor Descheemaeker and the University have agreed that Professor Descheemaeker will leave his employment with the University to pursue other opportunities." Foster added that the university had accused Descheemaeker of "serious misconduct" over his communications, but he denied those allegations. The university argued that its dismissal attempt was lawful, with its representative calling the professor's case "hopeless". This dispute occurred amid larger discussions about identity politics and institutional racism at the school. The university's cultural safety review and the resignation of Indigenous academic Dr Eddie Cubillo in 2023 are seen as part of this context. Descheemaeker’s legal team was contacted for comments but did not respond.