The Dean of Science has stepped down amid backlash from the Listener letter.
Seven University of Auckland professors, including acting Dean of Science Professor Douglas Elliffe, signed a letter criticising the incorporation of mātauranga Māori in the NCEA education system. NZ Herald is reporting that Professor Elliffe has now stepped down from his role as Dean.
“I now think that my leadership of the faculty has the potential to increase division and divert attention from the real issues that face us,” Elliffe reportedly wrote in an email to Science faculty staff. He also claimed there was no pressure from the university to step down, despite the Vice-Chancellor condemning the opinions of the letter.
This news comes in the midst of many University staff, including prominent academics in the Science faculty, signing an open letter refuting the suggested ideas from the Listener letter.
For the original story, see the link below:
https://craccum.co.nz/news/reporting/science-professors-criticised-for-listener-letter/