Macquarie University students have been asked to complete learning modules describing non-Indigenous students as ‘settlers’ and ‘guests’.
On Monday, 2GB host Ben Fordham related complaints a Macquarie University student had raised with him surrounding ‘woke‘ lessons.
In a module on Aboriginal Australians, non-Indigenous students were told they were ‘settlers’ and ‘guests’ in this country.
‘If you are living in Australia and are not an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you are a settler and therefore a guest,’ the module reportedly read.
‘Many guests are also concerned about getting it wrong or causing offence.
‘It is important that guests also take the time to ensure they have a deeper understanding of colonialism.’
Yannick Thoraval, a creative writing teacher at RMIT University told Daily Mail Australia the language as described was unnecessarily ‘accusatory’.
‘While I’m unfamiliar with the specific situation… I will say that it’s disappointing when a statement which clearly attempts to recognise and atone for historic transgressions does so in language that is divisive and accusatory.’
2GB host Ben Fordham was furious, ands claimed that ‘woke’ academics could ‘just f*** off’
A Macquarie University (pictured) module reportedly calls non-Indigenous students ‘settlers’ and ‘guests
‘Given the increasing hostility and polarization in the rest of the world, are we, in Australia, not better served by language that is constructive and cooperative?’
Fordham snapped back at the idea that any Australian should be considered a guest in their own country.
‘I don’t care if you only became an Aussie last week, this is your country too, you are not a guest.
‘These students just want to expand their learning and broaden their horizons and they cannot start their study until they sign up to this twisted notion of owners versus ‘guests’ or ‘settlers.”
‘Seriously, can these people just f*** off,’ Fordham said.
‘We are sick of people trying to divide us.’
A Macquarie University spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia their students are required to complete the training modules, but did not comment on the specific concerns raised by the student.
‘Macquarie University provides four introductory training modules to students: Academic Integrity, Safer Communities @MQ, Sustainability and Student Manawari Training (which focuses on Indigenous culture).
Macquarie University is only the latest school to be accused of being divisively ‘woke’
‘These modules reflect the University’s policies and values and support compliance with the University’s obligations under the national Threshold Standards and Codes for student safety, as well as anti-discrimination laws.’
The spokesperson added that the training courses used by Macquarie University are similar to those used by other institutions.
‘The modules are designed to help maintain a safe and inclusive campus for all our students, and they are not dissimilar in their intent to many training courses for students at other universities or for new employees at many Australian companies.
‘While students are required to complete these training modules, course materials are not withheld from any student who has not completed this training.’
After relating the students’ story, a number of students from other Australian universities – including La Trobe University, Charles Sturt University and James Cook University – reportedly came forward with similar complaints.
Libertarian Member of the NSW Legislative Council John Ruddick joined the show on Monday and thanked the student for sharing her story.
Ruddick said the practice was likely widespread across the country’s tertiary institutions, claiming they were ‘trying to enforce groupthink’.
‘It’s all about trying to brainwash people through the two things that the left, the crazy left, care about the most.’
