Samoan students not sure of group's danger

By Soli Wilson 15 April 2019, 12:00AM

Samoan students at the Auckland University in New Zealand say reports of white supremacy movements on campus cannot be ascertained and they are not sure if the groups are a threat.

Radio New Zealand (RNZ) recently reported that a group of Auckland University students claimed they were afraid of a growing white supremacist movement on campus that they are thinking of dropping out.

But two Samoan students at the university, who did not want to be identified for security reasons, said they heard about the group last year with one student saying she is still unsure of the threat that they pose. 

"I've been thinking hard about it and I actually don't want to say anything publicly, just out of safety.

"I'm still unsure of how dangerous these guys are so I think its best I don't say anything while I'm unsure better safe than sorry," said the student.

Another student said they only came across the group and its influence last year and added that he "wasn't affected at all".

"We got it last year. There was a Student European Association, that had neo-Nazi views and opposed Maori and Pacific Island rights," he added. 

Students groups at the Auckland University have come under scrutiny in recent years with the now disbanded Auckland University European Students Association accused of promoting racist policies. 

According to a RNZ report, staff and students as well as members of the public became increasingly concerned with the group and its branding, and said the university would not comment or confirm the public complaints. A university spokesperson said it has received numerous formal complaints, saying "we were able to and have acted on these".

Tags

Education
Samoans abroad
By Soli Wilson 15 April 2019, 12:00AM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>