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National | Marama Davidson

Students discuss racism within university environment

Student-run initiative I, Too, Am Auckland will hold an event today, launching a series of videos addressing racism in universities.

Production Assistant Todd Karehana says, “The event is for anyone and everyone that is interested in diminishing instances of racism at The University of Auckland and wider society.  We have created four short videos, capturing the experiences and conversations about instances of racism in all its forms.”

The videos will feature students from the University of Auckland who talk about their own personal experiences of racism during their tertiary study.

“There are a range of ethnicities featured in the videos, from Māori to Pacific Islander, Afghan, Cook Island, Samoan, Pākehā and Pakistani.  Each of the participants shares an intimate account of their experiences of racism at The University of Auckland and try to discuss solutions to the issue of racism on campus,” says Karehana.

The event will feature a panel of students, politicians, academics and community leaders who will discuss issues relating racism within our communities.

Confirmed panellists include:

  • Green Party MP Marama Davidson
  • Ōtara community leader Fa'anana Efeso Collins
  • Associate Professional Teaching Fellow, Susan Woodward
  • Associate Professor at AUT, Camille Nakhid

Karehana says, “These videos have put pressure on the University to provide solutions to these issues and we hope the University keeps its promise - ensuring our Māori, Pasifika and other ethnic minorities find university as safe and inviting as non-minority groups.”