Being abroad whilst the Ramsay Centre debacle series has unfolded, has meant I hold a somewhat distanced perspective on the situation. However, this has not at all been a personal deterrent from keeping up to date or initiating my own conversations with fellow peers and academics, specifically at the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, USA. If you are unaware of the situation with the University of Wollongong and their deal with the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation, read about it here. Arizona is the birthplace for the world's first Indigenous studies program and or faculty. Meaning, a historically established network of Indigenous excellence, knowledge and collective acknowledgement of these, has been deeply rooted in the institution's frameworks.
I found this a great place to yarn up practical strategies in terms of resistance work to white European supremacy and institutional violence such like the Ramsay deal has perpetuated.
These independent conversations elegantly deconstructed issues of institutional racism, colonialism, white supremacy and the nature of the Ramsay Centre in general. One of these conversations stood out in particular - in regard to the constructive actions I can do in my unique position, and the nature of a multifaceted front. So, purposely, I address this to the Blak and allied students and staff of UOW, perhaps the people that have been most undermined, silenced, disrespected and underrepresented in the entire controversy thus far.
If you're like me, then the initial exposure of UOW's Ramsay deal would've felt like a spit in the face, or a cold shrug towards your entire degree or a "Thanks! But fuck you." towards any positive work you've contributed to UOW over the years. Nonetheless, I've had time to breathe, reflect, and read up on the issue. Amidst this debacle, we may identify some positive outcomes beyond this shit storm. For example, if UOW were to succumb to the pressure, and abort their deal with the Ramsay centre, I'm almost certain there will be significant questions pertaining to the high powers of UOW and the integrity of their decision making processes. Perhaps a cultural safety protocol or framework be implemented in future institutional changes. A small win, but necessary it seems.
However, UOW is yet to take responsibility for the institutional violence this deal has perpetuated, and our troops are still protesting. And yes, naturally the initial emotions lead us to the front lines, fist pumping, and screaming "FUCK WHITE SUPREMACY" at the top of our lungs. I've done this, & I'll probably never retire from it, like ever. Although, if all of us rush towards the front lines of the mob protesting, how many allies are left in the classrooms? In the institutions? In the media? In the boardrooms? Thus is the nature of a collected, multifaceted front. I feel a sense of responsibility to utilise my position, as a staff member, student, and long-term customer of the institution, to educate and inspire those around me. This is a skill, as strong, educated people of colour and integrity, should exercise as intelligently, appropriately and as strategically as we can. A calculated resistance is effective as it proactively demonstrates Indigenous pedagogy, community and critical academic mobility - all of which, colonial ideologies seek to undermine and marginalise.
We saw exactly this in the 'Alternatives to Western Civilisation' series organised by Associate Professor Georgine Clarsen, and hosted discussions lead by Wadi Wadi Elder, Aunty Dr Barbara Nicholson, Postdoctoral Fellow Marlene Longbottom and PhD student Lou Glover. This is an ongoing monthly forum, that I encourage everyone to attend. See more writers on resistance to the Ramsay Centre here.
Take action right now by signing the petition urging the rejection of the Ramsay deal here.
