Support for academics over allegations of structural racism at the University of Waikato

By RNZ

Maori academics alleging structural racism at the University of Waikato have received support from across the country since they spoke out, but two professors admit that it is still scary to be a Maori at the university while an investigation is underway.

Professor Pou Temara, Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith and four other people who have chosen to remain anonymous have written a 13-page letter to the Ministry of Education to alert it of their concerns.

The accusations include ignorance and undervaluation of Maori expertise, symbolism, lower pay for Maori staff, and lack of meaningful commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.

An independent review is underway to investigate the allegations, led by Sir Wira Gardiner and former national MP, Hekia Parata.

But Temara said a sense of fear and intimidation lingered at the university.

“We are not aware of what is happening in the management echelons of the university, nor are they aware of what we are doing in our little pockets of the university. We stay very far from each other,” he said.

“The key result we want is for the bullying, which we all feel from the university leadership, to stop immediately,” he said.

“We are very afraid of being Maori in college and doing Maori things in college.”

More than 3,000 people, including esteemed academics from other universities, have since signed an open letter calling for the university to eliminate racism and protect those who raised the issue publicly.

Temara said the support was overwhelming and appreciated.

RNZ understands that the university will not renew the contracts of Professor Brendan Hokowhitu, Dean of Maori and Indigenous Studies, or Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith.

The university cannot discuss labor issues, but Professor Rangi Mātāmua, who has also spoken publicly about racism at the university, said that people could read between the lines.

Now he is questioning his own place in the university.

“In my opinion, the breaking point for me has been the disparagement of senior Maori scholars here at the institution when people like Professor Pou Temara are talking about racism here. When we have one of the world’s leading scholars at Linda Tuhiwai Smith, she is recognized worldwide, but her contract will not be renewed here at this institution.

“I think this is an absolute crime. I think we should be collectively ashamed that this institution does not employ one of the world’s leading indigenous scholars.”

He said the university’s Faculty of Maori and Indigenous Studies had been marginalized since it refused to split in 2018.

“When the faculty really won and were left alone, I think they specifically attacked us and made us feel marginalized and invisible within our own institution. Many of us have suffered a lot.

“They have made me feel culturally insecure and fearful of retaliation for having some kind of academic freedom of voice and questions. That is our right as academics,” he said.

In a statement, a university spokesperson said there was no set timeline for completing the review.

“Upon completion, the results of the review will be made public … The appointment of Sir Harawira Gardiner and Hon Hekia Parata was a unanimous decision made by the University Council. Both Harawira and Hekia were chosen for their extensive experience and expertise. in both the education sector, as well as the roles they have played in relation to the Waitangi Tribunal and in the development of public policy under the Treaty of Waitangi. “

The spokesperson said the university could not comment on individual labor issues.