2016-06-03
Greens condemn ‘witch hunt’ of Safe Schools’ Roz Ward
The Greens have called for the reinstatement of Safe Schools Coalition co-founder Roz Ward following her suspension by her employer La Trobe University.
“I am outraged at the attacks and vitriol being directed at Roz Ward,” said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for gender identity and intersex issues.
“Given this situation has resulted from a personal view expressed on a personal social media profile, the reaction is extreme. Roz Ward’s personal political views are her own, and are irrelevant to the great work of the Safe Schools Coalition and her work as an academic at La Trobe University.
“Peaceful freedom of political expression is something we hold dear in Australia.
“The Safe Schools Coalition has been the subject of an ongoing campaign of attacks by the Liberal government’s vocal backbench dinosaurs. It is a huge shame this has extended to personal attacks on one of its co-founders.”
“It’s ironic that Roz Ward is being attacked for her political views by conservatives who claim their right to express their often bigoted and offensive views with total impunity,” said Greens Spokesperson for Sexuality and for Higher Education, Senator Robert Simms.
“It is concerning when we see academics being used as political scapegoats in this way. Ms Ward’s personal views are irrelevant to the important work of the Safe Schools program.”
The Greens have announced an election commitment of $32 million in federal funding for Safe Schools to ensure the program’s ongoing implementation in Australian schools.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Senator Rice: Sam Drummond 0400 352 935
Senator Simms: Gemma Clark 0417 173 508