墨尔本大学学术委员会以39票对37票的结果反对接受Ramsay Centre提供的3500万美元奖学金计划[1]。该奖学金旨在每年资助30名学生学习人文学科[1]。
学术界人士对这一计划表达了深切担忧。历史教授Zoe Laidlaw指出，"西方文明的明确推广会排斥和贬低其他文化"[1]，认为这与大学的反种族主义核心价值相悖。学术委员会的反对立场反映了对该中心推崇西方文化可能贬低其他文明的顾虑[1]。
尽管投票结果反对，大学领导仍计划继续推进该奖学金项目[1]。副校长Sara Wills表示学术委员会有严格程序确保学术自由不受损害[1]。该计划包括国际暑期学校、区域领导力项目和社区服务项目[1]。
Melbourne University's academic committee has voted against accepting a $35 million scholarship program from the Ramsay Centre.[1] The vote resulted in 39 members opposing and 37 supporting the proposal, with concerns centered on the program's emphasis on Western civilization and its potential to marginalize other cultural traditions.[1]
The scholarship program aims to provide annual funding to 30 students pursuing humanities studies.[1] Critics within the university have expressed concern about the center's explicit promotion of Western culture. History professor Zoe Laidlaw stated that such an approach "will exclude and demean other cultures."[1] This reflects broader tensions over whether the initiative aligns with the university's core anti-racism values.[1] The proposed plan includes an international summer school, a regional leadership program, and community service initiatives.[1]
Despite the academic committee's opposition, university leadership has signaled its intention to proceed with the scholarship program.[1] Vice-Chancellor Sara Wills has emphasized that the committee follows strict procedures designed to protect academic freedom.[1] Arts degrees in Australia have become increasingly expensive, with costs now exceeding $50,000 for students.[1]