Students and faculty gathered at the University of Sydney today to protest former Prime Minister John Howard, who was being awarded an honorary degree by the university, on the grounds that he is a racist and a war criminal.
Police clash with protesters as John Howard awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Sydney. #9News https://t.co/cMOHktVYI7
— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) September 30, 2016
Cops clashed with the protesters, and the event was held up by about 15 minutes.
As you would probably be aware, Howard is a controversial Prime Minister thanks to his attitude and policy on issues like asylum seekers and the Iraq War. The protest was held outside the university’s Great Hall, and was led by Nick Riemer, a senior lecturer in English and Linguistics.
“I think there was a very strong message sent today that university management can’t cosy up to a … racist without doing so against the wishes of staff,” Riemer told Guardian Australia.
“It’s treated the people who work here with absolute contempt … The vice-chancellor and the chancellor seem to believe that they’re beyond any kind of scrutiny … There has been no attempt by anyone in authority to justify their decision.”
The doctorate Howard was receiving was described by USYD as acknowledging Howard’s “world-leading gun law reform, leadership in East Timor and contribution to Australia’s economic reform”.
Protesters were concerned that awarding an honorary doctorate to someone like Howard stood in contrast to the university’s otherwise “progressive image”.
Source: The Guardian / SBS.
Photo: Getty Images.
