In this opinion piece, Dr Ritesh Shah compares New Zealand universities’ current neutrality on the Gaza crisis to their stance during the 1980s apartheid era. He notes that while neutrality has often been justified as protecting academic freedom, universities have taken moral stands in the past on issues like climate change and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Since university values often emphasise care, integrity, and civic responsibility, Dr Shah argues that remaining silent is inconsistent with these commitments. He calls on institutions to show moral courage by moving beyond neutrality and actively supporting justice and human rights. Read more on Newsroom: https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/08/31/is-this-a-1980s-apartheid-moment-for-our-universities/
Is this a 1980s Apartheid moment for our universities?
