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By RNZ
The University of Waikato is commissioning an independent review following claims by leading academics alleging casual and structural racism at the institution, despite having previously rejected the allegations.
Indigenous education teacher Linda Tuhiwai Smith, along with six academics, wrote a 13-page letter alerting the Ministry of Education to their concerns.
The allegations included ignorance of the Maori experience, symbolism, lower pay for Maori staff, and no significant commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Smith said it appeared the university was going to control the damage, rather than address the concerns directly with the group.
Earlier in the week, the university publicly rejected the allegations.
However, after a meeting on Tuesday, September 1, and on the recommendation of the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor Māori, the University of Waikato Council unanimously agreed to the independent review.
It will be led by Sir Wira Gardiner and former Minister of Education and former National MP, Hekia Parata.
The independent review will also look at your obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.
In its terms of reference, it says it will investigate recent public claims of “structural and systemic racism” at the University of Waikato and the issues that have given rise to these claims, and provide an assessment of them.
In addition to finding out if you are complying with the obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi and, in particular, with the university’s programs to support Maori students, attract and retain Maori staff, integrate mātauranga Māori into its academic programs, and promote the Maori te ao in the life of the University.
The couple will then make recommendations to improve policies and practice at the university.
The review begins Monday, September 7.