2019-09-19
Greens Spokesperson for Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to reports of Sydney University soliciting Ramsay Centre funding for a major in Western Civilisation.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The Ramsay Centre's rivers of gold come with ideological strings attached, aimed solely at inculcating an uncritical view of 'western civilisation' in Australian students.
“No university curriculum is even remotely lacking in Western history, literature or politics. All the Ramsay Centre wants is to glorify Western civilisation with as much influence from their Howard and Abbott-led board as possible.
“Last year, a survey of Sydney University staff found nearly half of staff opposed the University’s proposed involvement with the Ramsay Centre. Whether it’s a degree or a major, their concerns remain and should be heard.
“I urge the University of Sydney to do the right thing. If you don’t accept the cultural supremacy, then act in a manner that shows that. Uphold academic freedom by not taking the Ramsay Centre’s money,” she concluded.