Sydney University Now Agrees To Host Dalai Lama

We are delighted to report that the University Of Sydney has reversed its position on not allowing the Dalai Lama to address students on its Campus in June. According to a public statement from Professor John Keane, Professor of Politics, Director of the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, University of Sydney:

“The Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR) at the University of Sydney and representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama have agreed to host an on-campus lecture for students at the University of Sydney in mid-June 2013. This will be the first engagement of the Dalai Lama during his Australian tour.

The IDHR looks forward to hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama under the theme ‘Education Matters’.

The University of Sydney and IDHR remain firmly committed to the principle that academics are free to invite to our campus anyone who has a legitimate contribution to make to public debate.

It is hoped the mid-June event will form part of a determined commitment of the University of Sydney to develop a constructive dialogue on matters concerning Tibet and the wider region.” SOURCE

This is a hugely welcome decision by the Executives of the University and an indication of the opposition and concern expressed by many people around the world who were rightly concerned that China’s regime was being appeased.

We wish to thank here all our friends and supporters who joined our various actions to lobby the Vice-Chancellor’s office on this issue and much appreciation also to our colleagues on Twitter. In unity and solidarity we have stood for free speech, human rights and opposed what would have been a gross censorship. Our congratulations too for the Executives of the University Of Sydney in  having the courage and wisdom to restore integrity and democratic principles at the core of their operational ethos.