Improved recognition of Indigenous heritage on campus key to new strategy
The University of Melbourne will progress with a new strategy that seeks to provide greater public acknowledgement of the institution’s historic diversity across all of its campuses.
An updated approach to the future naming of buildings, rooms and places on campus will be central to the strategy, as will the establishment of an international forum to critically engage with the issue of historical legacy and heritage in the built environment of universities.
University of Melbourne Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Ian Anderson said the University was committed to demonstrating that it values diversity while celebrating its heritage and tradition.
“For today's universities, inclusivity rather than exclusivity is an important value," Professor Anderson said.
"Questions about our institutional character are not always easy to respond to and Melbourne has had to think hard about its connection to former staff connected with the eugenics movement.
“We are not alone in considering these issues. There has been a global movement at universities, calling on institutions from South Africa to the south of the USA to rename, remove or otherwise condemn artefacts that by today’s standards are considered racist or offensive.”
The strategy will see the University conduct a broader review of naming across its campuses, consistent with the wayfinding strategy and signage.
Professor Anderson said the University was hopeful this would also help promote future scholarly engagement with the University’s institutional history and relationships with Indigenous Australians.
“We want to ensure appropriate transparency of the history of the University and recognition of Indigenous cultures,” he said.
“It is time for us to put a more critical spotlight on the University’s history so that our community can grow in the understanding about all aspects of its legacy.
“This strategy aims for a more sophisticated response than just renaming buildings. Our response should draw on the best of the higher education enlightenment tradition, would positively redress those aspects of our history that are out of keeping with our contemporary aspirations.”
Professor Anderson said the new strategy was in line with the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-17 and supports the Indigenous Student Plan and People Strategy.