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The university has been criticized for suggesting a limit of 56 Maori students a year across its Maori Gateway, and just 20 for the Pacific and lower socioeconomic pathways.
In a recent letter to staff and students, he has now admitted that the proposal was a response to a legal challenge and now says he will vigorously defend the avenues in court.
He previously denied that a legal challenge had anything to do with the proposal.
Zoe Bristowe, a professional practice fellow, said she was shocked by the statement and was deeply hurt by the way the university has handled the situation.
“I think the letter addresses some of my concerns, but not all. It certainly did not provide any reassurance or recognition of the issues that led to this point,” he said.
“There has been no significant commitment or acknowledgment of error, or a willingness to demonstrate responsibility on the part of top management, [we] I have not been approached – myself, associate dean Māori or Pacific – at all during this entire process. “
Bristowe said earlier this week that RNZ senior managers tried to push for changes to preferential entry routes during a meeting of the Medical Admissions Committee.
She said the dean of the School of Medicine told the committee that it was not the university’s job to address 200 years of disadvantage.
The university disagrees with Bristowe’s version of events.
“Since I made my statement on Monday this week recounting my experiences in the Medical Admissions Committee and after the meeting, inferences have been made about my ability to accurately recall events. There needs to be some acknowledgment and an apology for that. .
“Since the meeting, the issues raised by me and others have been ignored, discarded or, in my own experience, completely denied through institutional gaslighting. I believe that the situation we found ourselves in was totally avoidable and has not been done. nothing to address the harm done to students, staff and our communities, “he said.
“We have made several attempts to address all of this behind the scenes. The overall problem here is not really about ‘proposed limits’. It is a complete failure to meaningfully consult and lead with integrity and it is harmful.”
She said she felt vulnerable for speaking out, but was well supported by staff and students.
“There is a lot of pain right now. I feel extremely vulnerable and insecure,” she said.
“It has been a really difficult time, but I have received a lot of support, it has been overwhelming and I am drawing strength from it.”
In a statement, the vice chancellor of the health sciences division of the University of Otago, Paul Brunton, said that the university regretted any misunderstandings that may have arisen during the process and the discomfort this had caused.
“We are fully focused on working with Ms. Bristowe and the entire Health Sciences Division staff to resolve any concerns they may have and make sure they are supported and understand how valued they are.”
