Name:

Email:

Union/Community Organization

Protest Message:
Dear Vice Chancellor, I write to express my concern at the dismissal of Dr Robert Austin from his position as Course Coordinator of Spanish and Lecturer in the School of International and Community Studies, and propose that you reverse this decision in the interests of natural justice. I understand that Dr Austin has an established reputation as a fine teacher and scholar, that RMIT acknowledged this with his unanimous appointment, and that his probation report in both these areas is admirable. On its web page, RMIT claims to support the values of "global imagination", "learning and personal growth", "ethical behaviour and responsibility", "cultural diversity" and "fairness to all". It is difficult to reconcile such goals with Austin's dismissal. Management has relied on an Andrew Bolt attack on Dr Austin after he re-scheduled classes so interested students could attend the National Day of Action against the Howard government's Voluntary Student Unionism legislation. This initiative was consistent both with a call from the NTEU to reschedule classes and not penalise students for attending the rally, and your own public opposition to the VSU. The Howard-Nelson agenda seeks to suppress academic freedom and basic student rights, including the right to open debate and public protest. Opposition to it should be supported, not used as grounds for dismissal. When a university allows tabloid commentators to determine its agenda, it can no longer claim to be pursuing knowledge or promoting spaces where academics and students teach and learn without fear of reprisal. RMIT claims on its website to have "built a worldwide reputation for excellence in vocational and technical education and research." That reputation is meaningless if you stifle debate and promote conformism as Vice Chancellor. Regardless of whether or not you agree with Dr Austin's views, his actions respond to the great traditions of liberal universities. Therefore, I call upon you to rescind Austin's dismissal, and to make a public statement reconfirming RMIT's commitment to academic freedom, due process and natural justice. Sincerely,

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