Report to restrict NZ students deplorable

22 April 2008

Media Release:

Auckland University report to restrict NZ students deplorable

Yesterday’s release of the report from the Undergraduate Admissions and Equity Taskforce at Auckland University on implementing restrictions to the university is a poor attempt to whitewash a deplorable decision.

Schools work hard to get students to reach entry requirements for university but Auckland University will now give many of these students the fingers. This university would prefer to create an elitist institution for New Zealand and overseas students from privileged backgrounds ahead of opportunities for local students.

The students most affected will be those from low-income communities who typically are those students who scrape through on the entry criteria. Auckland University is saying it doesn’t want them. Maori and Pacifica students are over-represented in this group and they face yet another hurdle to university study.

The university’s claim it is committed to excellence and equity is a meaningless paper policy.

The university’s claim that it “managing entry in a way which is fair and equitable” is public relations spin.

“Carefully reviewing students with low scores” via quotas and interviews to see if students “had what they needed for their intended study path” is insulting. These New Zealand students have already reached the standard to enrol and should be accepted without a demeaning interview.

Once more Auckland University is setting itself up as the guardian of educational privilege in Auckland. It’s a policy designed for private school students ahead of New Zealand students from low-income areas.

The university should be ashamed.

 
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