Controversy erupted at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) after a former union leader delivered a polarizing graduation speech that led to walkouts and outrage among attendees. The university is now taking steps to address the fallout, offering reimbursements for graduation fees and providing counseling services to those affected.
Controversial Speech Sparks Outrage
The controversy began when Joe de Bruyn, a former union boss, took the stage at ACU’s graduation ceremony on Monday evening. During his address, de Bruyn made inflammatory remarks comparing abortion to the “human toll of world war two” and alleging that same-sex marriage goes against “every society on Earth.”
The speech immediately sparked a strong reaction from the audience, with many attendees choosing to walk out in protest. LGBTIQ+ staff and student organizations at ACU expressed their dismay, questioning why de Bruyn was given a platform to voice his views on reproductive and LGBTIQ+ rights.
University Responds with Reimbursements and Counseling
In response to the backlash, ACU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Zlatko Skrbis, sent an email to staff acknowledging the “hurt and discomfort” caused by the speech. He confirmed that the university was aware of the contents of de Bruyn’s address beforehand and had encouraged him to reconsider his remarks, but ultimately allowed the speech to proceed.
As a gesture of goodwill, ACU announced that it would be issuing full refunds of graduation ceremony fees to all attendees. The university recognized that the event had been an “unsatisfactory experience for many” and aimed to address their concerns.
In addition to the reimbursements, ACU is also offering face-to-face individual therapy and group counseling sessions at its Melbourne campus. The university acknowledged the emotional impact of the speech and is providing support to staff and students who may have been affected.
Calls for Explanation and Accountability
Despite ACU’s efforts to address the situation, many within the university community are calling for further explanation and accountability. Student associations and LGBTIQ+ staff networks have questioned why de Bruyn was permitted to deliver his “harmful address” when counseling services were reportedly organized ahead of time in anticipation of the speech’s impact.
“We are particularly concerned by reports from staff that ACU counselling staff were organised ahead of time to be available following the ceremony to support students and staff,” said a joint statement from various student and staff organizations.
The groups are demanding that the ACU senate and executive provide an explanation for their decision to allow de Bruyn’s address, given the expected distress it would cause to students and staff.
Broader Concerns About University’s Stance
The controversy surrounding de Bruyn’s speech has also raised broader concerns about ACU’s stance on LGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion. The National Tertiary Education Union’s (NTEU) ACU branch condemned the university’s decision to award an honorary doctorate to de Bruyn, calling it a “disturbing trend” in light of a previous incident where staff were instructed to remove rainbow flags from the library.
“[De Bruyn’s] speech attacking reproductive and LGBTIQ+ rights turned what should have been a celebration into a hurtful event for staff and students,” the NTEU branch stated. “This follows a disturbing trend after … staff being instructed by management to remove rainbow flags from their workplaces last year.”
The university eventually reversed its decision on the rainbow flags, with the Vice Chancellor expressing regret for the hurt and distress caused. However, the latest controversy has reignited concerns about ACU’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for its LGBTIQ+ community.
Moving Forward
As ACU grapples with the fallout from de Bruyn’s speech, the university faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its students, staff, and the wider community. While the reimbursements and counseling services are a step in the right direction, many are calling for a more proactive approach to preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.
The controversy has sparked important conversations about the role of universities in promoting inclusivity, respecting diverse viewpoints, and ensuring the well-being of their community members. As ACU moves forward, it will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to these values and take concrete actions to foster a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.
