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An Act MP has drafted a member’s bill she says would “ensure universities do not allocate resources, benefits or opportunities based on race”.
It follows on from a Cabinet directive last year to create a “colourblind” public service, which Public Service Minister NicolaWillis said was “a direct result of the coalition agreement” National had with Act to form the Government.
Act tertiary education spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar on Saturday said that directive did not apply to universities.
Parmjeet Parmar, Act's tertiary education spokesperson. Photo / NZ National Party
“This week I wrote to the minister for universities to raise concerns about allocation of resources toward students based on ethnicity. This includes special allowances, separate study spaces, scholarships, and course entrance pathways in fields like medicine.”
Act leader David Seymour with Parmjeet Parmar. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
The changes would prevent institutions from giving scholarships based on a person or group’s race or ethnic origin, nor any other financial assistance, accommodation, housing, access to “designated spaces, rooms, or other facilities” or “any other benefit, entitlement, or opportunity”.
They would still be allowed to administer funds or assistance provided by outside organisations, such as charities for example, even if they were provided to students based on their race or ethnicity.
Parmar also said she had raised concerns students at the University of Auckland were being forced to do a paper on the Treaty of Waitangi, particularly for international students, for whom the course would “hold little value”.
- RNZ
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