Racism rears its ugly head on the nation's campuses

GIRIDHARAN SIVARAMAN PRESSER

Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman says decisive action from the sector is needed to tackle what it calls "systematic and pervasive" racism on the country's university campuses. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE

Australia's human rights watchdog has warned of what it calls "systematic and pervasive" racism on the country's university campuses.


Key Points
  • The interim findings of the Human Rights Commission's Respect at Uni investigation warn that universities are not inoculated against racism by the intellectual endeavour that takes place within them.
  • The report also highlighted the experiences of First Nations students and staff and international students, many saying they felt reduced to cash cows by universities. While those of Asian and African backgrounds were among the most common victims of racism.
  • Several universities are taking steps to examine policies on dealing with racism... bolstering complaint mechanisms and student counselling services. 

The Race Discrimination Commissioner says decisive action to tackle the problem is needed from the sector, which insists it's committed to inclusivity.


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