Academic Claims Double Standard in Email Dismissal

Academic Claims Double Standard in University Email Dismissal

David Rankin, a leading Maori academic, claims the University of Auckland has been applying a double standard in its dismissal of Paul Buchanan for an allegedly offensive email.

On 8 May 2007, Mr. Rankin receive an email from University of Auckland

Maori studies tutor, Hone Sadler, labelling him a 'liar', saying that he was 'full of shit', and that he was 'smearing human excrement over Ngapuhi'.

Mr Rankin complained to the University about this incident, the offensive language used, and the fact that MR. Sadler sent copies of this email to over a hundred other people, but was told that no action would be taken because although the email was sent from Mr Sadler's computer, using Mr. Sadler's email which required his personal password, Mr. Sadler did not put his name at the end of the email.

'I consider this outrageous', says Mr. Rankin. 'When it comes to Maori

staff, there seems to be a real fear among the University of Auckland hierarchy. Maori staff, it seems, can say or do whatever they like with impunity, yet, in another department, a lecturer is fired for a far milder email'.

Mr. Rankin has written twice to the University requesting an explanation, but has received no reply.

ENDS

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