Racist education cuts in NT

Issue 

By Zanny Begg

On November 23, staff from the Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STUDIES (FATSIS) received letters from the Northern Territory University stating that their jobs had been "disestablished".

These redundancies are a result of a review of the department and of indigenous education. The review recommended that special programs for indigenous students developed by FATSIS over the last 10 years were a "wasteful duplication".

The student union has indicated that it "wholeheartedly disagrees" with these recommendations. Its education vice-president, Tracey Johnson, issued a statement which explained that FATSIS was designed to "introduce indigenous students to tertiary education in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways" and that the university decision would undermine the "principle of self-determination that FATSIS sought to engender".

The student union has called a rally for December 3 to protest against these cuts. Johnson is asking people to write letters of condemnation to Ron McKay, vice-chancellor, Northern Territory University, Darwin NT 0909.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.