Human Rights To Finally Be Restored On Campus

ACT on Campus has today congratulated the Education and Science select committee for its recommendation to restore the fundamental human right of freedom of association to students.

“It is recognised around the world that it is a fundamental human right to decide whether to join an organisation and to determine who should represent your views.” says ACT on Campus President, Peter McCaffrey.

“We do not have compulsory gym membership, church attendance or trade unionism in New Zealand and now, after a 20 year long struggle, students will once again enjoy their right to freedom of association.”

“Compulsory membership created a massive incentive for minority special interest groups, whether left or right wing, to exploit the silent majority of students. This bill gives students the freedom to choose whether to join their student union and returns that power back to the students themselves.”

“Despite claims by Labour and the Greens, analysis of the submissions reveals that fewer than 300 people made substantial submissions against the bill. Of these, only about 50 submissions were made by actual students, the remainder coming from students’ association executive members or trade unions longing for the return of the days of compulsory trade unionism.”

“We look forward to the passage of this bill and the return of the fundamental human right of freedom of association to the more than 100,000 students around New Zealand.” says ACT on Campus President, Peter McCaffrey.

Students seeking to use their new freedom to choose their representatives are invited to visit http://www.actoncampus.org.nz/join