'Men's officer' proposal condemned

Tuesday, October 3, 1995 - 10:00

By Rachel Evans

MELBOURNE — Some male members of Deakin University, Warrnambool campus, are campaigning for the inclusion of a new "men's officer" position in the university's constitution. Feminist groups, many students and Men Against Sexual Assault (MASA) have condemned the move. The general secretary of La Trobe University Student Representative Council, Di Quin, told Green Left Weekly that the move is "a backlash against women students. Women are disadvantaged in every sphere of society. University resources should be dedicated to the disadvantaged. This is clearly not the case for men."

The National Union of Students women's officer responded to the proposal by pointing out, "You don't treat all groups equally to get equity; you treat disadvantaged groups with more resources to achieve equity".

The student council is divided over the proposal, and is yet to take it to the student body for a decision.

From GLW issue 205