Students uncomfortable after lecturer uses racial slur during lecture. Massey stands by it.

Students in a 300-level lecture were left shocked when a lecturer casually said the n-word while reading a quote off the projector. According to student accounts, the use of the word came across as deliberate. “I couldn’t really believe what I was hearing, the whole class just kind of sat there in silence,” one student told Massive.  

Ruby*, another student attending the class, noted that she was not surprised by this behaviour unfortunately. “I knew he was going to say it when the quote appeared on the board, it’s gotten to the point where sadly I’m not surprised. It made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I don’t understand why academics who aren’t black (or just people who aren’t), think they get a pass to use that kind of language just because it’s in the context of a reading,” she said. 

According to Massey’s freedom of expression policy, “Academic staff should not be prevented from including material on the basis that it may shock or offend students. On the basis that this material is academically quality assured.”  

Massey said they were not aware of any complaints, similar or otherwise around the issue. A spokesperson says, “While some lecturers may avoid use of terms deemed offensive in society, others will use language as written within their academic analysis and teaching. It is not the intent of lecturers to offend students through the use of offensive language, but it is an important part of the higher education to be able to use words in academic discussion.”  

“Massey University stands by our academic staff and their chosen approach to language use when teaching or researching issues that risk offending people.” The spokesperson goes on to say, “Every person deserves to be treated with respect and should be able to enjoy a working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.” As to whether those two statements are mutually exclusive, we’ll leave that to you, the reader.  

When asked if she felt the use of the term was a part of a quality academic experience, Ruby said no. “It didn’t add anything to my academic experience, in fact if anything it made me question it. It just seems really ironic, that these people are supposed to be our teachers, but they’re coming across so ignorant.”