The University of Queensland’s introduction of a “controversial” major looks one step closer

The introduction of “controversial” new major at a Queensland university looks one step closer to going ahead after “positive steps” were made during negotiations with the centre behind it.

UQ Vice Chancellor Peter Hoj has told staff negotiations with the Ramsay Centre over the introduction of a Western Civilisation course would continue.

The University of Queensland’s potential partnering with the Ramsay Centre to introduce a “controversial” Western Civilisation major appears to be one step closer to getting the green light.

On Tuesday Vice-Chancellor Peter Høj advised staff via email the UQ Senate had endorsed continuing discussions with the Ramsay Centre regarding a partnership, as well as approving Professor Høj and UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese to proceed with negotiations.

In the email, Professor Høj said there had been “positive steps” with regards to concerns and questions raised by UQ staff during a consultation period, which ended on February 14 with about 270 responses received.

“For example, last week the Ramsay Centre confirmed that they will include a commitment to academic freedom in future agreements,” he said.

“Over the coming weeks we will continue to analyse your feedback, and will share with you the steps we are taking to safeguard the University’s autonomy and remain true to our principles.”

Former Prime Minister John Howard is the chair of the Ramsay Centre, who are in negotiations with the University of Queensland.

A number of staff and students gathered to protest the partnership with the Ramsay Centre – which boasts former prime ministers John Howard as chair and Tony ­Abbott as a board member – at UQ, with about 100 turning out ahead of the UQ Senate meeting on Monday night.

Earlier this month National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) members overwhelmingly rejected the proposal over concerns regarding academic freedom and institutional autonomy, as well as its political agenda, with a petition against the partnership garnering about 600 signatures.

The University of Wollongong was the first in Australia to strike a deal with the Ramsay Centre, with a start date set for next year.

Last year the Australian National University withdrew from a lucrative deal with the Ramsay Centre over academic freedom concerns, while the University of Sydney has also opposed its introduction.

NTEU UQ Branch President Associate Professor Andrew Bonnell told The Courier-Mail said the decision was not “extremely unexpected” given the timetable for staff consultation had been quite short, and seemed to be indicative for the program to be able to commence next year.

“Senate has an obligation to protect the reputation of the university,” he said.

“There’s significant long-term reputation risks in (UQ) being linked to a program with quite a political and controversial body.”

Professor Bonnell said it was not clear how much of the staff feedback had been taken into account, and that many staff in the faculty of humanities and social sciences were “flat and disappointed” with the decision.