Update: 11 May 2017
Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), decided to suspend three students linked to Nazi-like
posters. A disciplinary process is now followed.
The matter was
investigated by SU's Equality Unit, which has made recommendations to SU's
Central Disciplinary Committee (CDC) and Management. The case is now a
disciplinary matter.
"The CDC will in the course of
handling this matter decide on the suspensions and further steps. The case is
receiving priority attention. The disciplinary process should be allowed to run
its course," said Prof De Villiers.
"When
the matter was brought to our attention on Tuesday (9 May 2017), both
Management and the SRC immediately made it clear that we strongly condemn
racism and attitudes of racial supremacy."
The Equality Unit reported that the posters
and advertised event promoting racial polarisation/superiority – combined with
highly offensive references to Nazi propaganda and Neo-Nazism – were in breach
of SU’s Policy on Unfair Discrimination and Harassment. It found that the behaviour
and actions of the students in question had a demeaning and humiliating impact,
and created an intimidating environment at SU.
"Stellenbosch University is doing its
utmost to be a diverse and inclusive institution. The venue booking was not
approved by the University, and we did not have any information about the
planned gathering before the posters were displayed – without permission. When
the matter came to our attention, Campus Security was asked to remove the
posters. We will continue to take a stand
against racism and unfair discrimination, and promote human rights, equality, human
dignity and democracy. This we do in accordance with our own policies, as well
as our commitment to the Constitution of South Africa and the Bill of Rights that
it enshrines," Prof De Villiers added.
10 May 2017: Individuals involved in "Nazi-posters" identified
Stellenbosch University (SU) has so far identified three individuals linked to the planning of the "Anglo-Afrikaner Student" event at Stellenbosch University and the related posters that surfaced on the Stellenbosch campus on Tuesday 9 May 2017. SU's Equality Unit (EU), supported by staff of the Student Discipline division, is leading the investigation.
The EU has received multiple complaints and subsequently launched an investigation in accordance with the principles set out in the SU Policy on Unfair Discrimination. The identified individuals are being interviewed. Based on the investigation and statements by the students the EU will make recommendations on further steps to be taken.
"The posters and advertised event promoting racial polarisation/superiority combined with highly offensive references to Nazi propaganda and Neo-Nazism are totally unacceptable. Given the values of SU and the South African Constitution we cannot condone views, events, publicity campaigns or innuendo that undermine our innate equality as human beings," says Mr Jaco Greeff Brink, Head of the EU.
The SU Management called on the campus community to let the investigation and subsequent processes run their course. Our staff members in the relevant units are giving priority attention to the matter. The findings and further steps will be communicated to the campus community.
SU reiterated that it condemns racism, racial superiority and any attempts to polarise the campus community in the strongest possible terms and that it will not allow any event promoting racial superiority to take place on campus. Posters, which were put up without the consent of the University and which advertised a meeting venue that had not been booked, were removed yesterday.
The University confirmed on Tuesday that only a query had been received on the availability of the venue and that no official booking was made at the time the posters were displayed. No further information about the event had been supplied at that point.
Yesterday, Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said: "Not only is the message of the posters totally unacceptable; it is also contrary to our institution's values. There seems to be deliberate mischief-making involved, and if that should be the case, disciplinary steps will be taken."
9 May 2017: SU condemns poster inciting racial polarisation
Stellenbosch University (SU), its Library and Information Service and
its Student Representative Council condemns racism, racial
superiority and any attempts to polarise our campus community in the
strongest possible terms and will not allow any event promoting racial
superiority to take place on campus.
This is in the light of SU being informed late yesterday morning (9 May)
about posters on campus advertising an event about the “Anglo-Afrikaner
Student” scheduled to take place at the JS Gericke Library Auditorium on
Thursday (11 May). The posters were put up on campus without the knowledge or
consent of the University, the Library or the SRC.
An investigation is currently underway while the posters were also
reported at the University’s Equality Unity.
The University would like to stress that only an query was received on
the availability of the venue and that no official booking was made at the
time the posters were displayed. Information about the event was not
provided. At this stage the origin of the posters are still
unknown, but the University is currently following up on information received
about the organisers.
Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said that not only is
the message of the posters totally unacceptable; it is also contrary to our
institution’s values. There seems to be deliberate mischief-making involved,
and if that should be the case, disciplinary steps will be taken.”
-
Any
student or staff member with more information is requested to
immediately contact the Client Service Centre at tel 021 808 9111 or
to send an a-mail to info@sun.ac.za.
SU Rector suspends 3 students linked to Nazi-like
posters. Disciplinary process is now followed.