The latest from Macquarie.

Acting Vice-Chancellor John Loxton just issued this statement.

This message was sent by Megan Etheridge, Director, Public Relations and Marketing and authorised by Professor John Loxton, A/g Vice-Chancellor.

Macquarie University totally rejects racism in any form. Any form of
discrimination harassment, or victimisation is totally unacceptable
and has no place in our society. I apologise sincerely to anyone who
feels they may have suffered as a result of opinions publicly expressed in the name of the University in recent media, and I give my assurance that the University will act to prevent discrimination, promote access for disadvantaged groups, and improve procedures for dealing with grievances, in line with its declared policies and procedures.

Macquarie is proud to welcome people of all nationalities, races and
cultures to the University. Our students from many countries bring a
wealth of experience to our lives and enrich the learning environment on our campus.

Macquarie is the most multicultural university in Australia. By 2004,
31% of our students were international students and came from 71
different countries around the world. Internationalisation of all
aspects of Macquarie’s activities is one of the key factors that gives

Macquarie its distinctive edge. It is a central tenet in our plans for
research, teaching and community outreach.

A university is a place where ideas are debated and diversity is
respected.

The University recognises and protects the concept and practice of
academic freedom as essential to the proper conduct of teaching,
research and scholarship. While academic freedom is a right, it carries with it the duty of staff to use the freedom in a manner consistent with a responsible and honest search for knowledge and truth.

Within the ambit of academic freedom lies the traditional role of the
university in providing informed comment on customs and practices in our society and in challenging held beliefs and structures. As stated in the University’s Code of Conduct, where public comments are offered by staff as members of Macquarie University, it is expected that the comments will relate directly to their individual expertise and the specialised area of their appointment.

This does not restrict the right of a staff member to freely express
opinions in their private capacity as an individual member of society.

However, it is a serious matter for staff to make public comments which are intentionally designed to bring the University into disrepute.

Members of staff must not give the impression that they are acting in an official University capacity unless they are authorised to do so.

I have initiated a review of our policies to ensure that these
important matters are clear and unequivocal.

John Loxton
Acting Vice-Chancellor

21 July 2005