be a degree factory which supports capitalist industry.” Whilst another stated: “The proposed cuts to important areas of teaching at UWA are undemocratic, unjustified and outrageous.” One comment called for nationwide opposition to the profit-driven schemes of the university managements: “I strongly support UWA student and staff action, and encourage similar action against greedy corporate universities across the country.”
Other comments showed serious concern about the educational and intellectual damage being done. “Social Sciences, including Anthropology, are essential to our understanding of society and to the breadth of our education system,” one said. “Without them we would be poorer for it as a society and limit the educational opportunities of the next generation. Such disciplines have intrinsic value that is vital to our ability to engage with complex social and global problems now and in the future.”
UWA management has moved to abolish 16 academic positions in the School of Social Sciences and remove research rights from another seven posts. Many more cuts are planned across the university, as part of the pro-business “Structural Reform Program.” An estimated 300 to 400 jobs are being targeted to reach Vice-Chancellor Amrit Chakma’s goal of cutting $40 million from the university’s operational spending.
The federal Liberal-National Coalition government and the university employers are continuing to use the…
