A Sydney university professor is under fire over a divisive speech he gave during a student graduation as the fallout from the failed Voice referendum continues.
Professor Alan McKee, the head of art, communication and English at Sydney University told students who were graduating that the “country has changed”.
But a Sydney University spokesperson defended the speech, telling news.com.au: “Graduations at universities around the world have a long tradition of featuring thought-provoking speeches to celebrate success, inspire reflection and motivate students to consider a better future”. “We strongly defend the right of Professor McKee to express his opinions, and of the audience to express their own varied views,” the spokesperson concluded.A majority of Australians voted resoundingly against enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the country’s constitution on October 14.Nationally, only 39.6 per cent of the population voted Yes on the Voice to parliament referendum, while 60.4 per cent opposed.
“That people who came to our country in only the last 235 years would reject the recognition of this continent’s First Peoples – on our sacred land which we have cared for and nurtured for more than 65,000 years – is so appalling and mean-spirited as to be utterly unbelievable a week following,” the letter read.
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