White power posters shock
White supremacy propaganda has been plastered across the Auckland University campus weeks after a controversial ‘‘European Club’’ for students disbanded.
The posters call for the prevention of ‘‘white genocide’’. White supremacist group ‘‘Western Guard’’ is behind the posters.
The posters have the phrases ‘‘white lives matter’’, ‘‘let’s take our country back’’ and ‘‘Hey white man! Only you can prevent white genocide.’’
Dr Thomas Gregory, a lecturer in politics and international relations, spent his morning pulling down the posters.
The posters appeared weeks after a European Club had to formally disband amid claims of white nationalism and alleged threats of violence.
Auckland University Students Association president Will Matthews said people put posters up on campus all the time.
‘‘We can’t stop people putting posters up, but the university has instructed security to take any offensive ones down,’’ he said.
Matthews said the posters were an isolated incident and could be in response to the European Club.
‘‘If we get wind of offensive or racist groups on campus we’ll take action immediately.’’
The European Club rejected accusations of racism, however its use of Celtic symbols commonly used by white supremacist groups, suggested otherwise.
The Western Guard, through an anonymous spokesperson, said the sociopolitical climate in New Zealand and many other Western countries was anti-white.
‘‘It’s time white people started looking out for our own interests.’’
A statement on the university’s website said it had zero tolerance for discrimination and it was committed to being safe, inclusive and equitable.
‘‘The university values and upholds the rights of freedom of expression and of academic freedom, however these rights are accompanied by responsibilities, including respect for the health, safety and wellbeing of our diverse students and staff, and compliance with the law and with university requirements.’’
The university had received complaints and was investigating the posters.