Federal MPs express disappointment over La Trobe’s proposal to cut Greek Studies

·

Maria Vamvakinou and Andrew Gilles are among other Labor MP’s who expressed disappointment over the Greek Studies program at LaTrobe University ending after 38 years.

The Australian Labor Party released a statement denouncing the the univiersity’s actions, claiming it is a “direct result” of cuts by the Morrison Government to properly support universities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Facing financial pressure, La Trobe University has flagged cutting dozens of liberal arts and language subjects including Greek Studies, Hindi and Indonesian. The University has already cut jobs and they expect to cut more jobs,” the statement says.

“The Morrison Government’s failure means that institutions like La Trobe are being forced to gut their courses, cut jobs and leave students with fewer choices.”

La Trobe University is currently the only university in Victoria that offers a comprehensive program in Modern Greek Studies from complete Beginners to PhD. Students at the University have organised a petition to help save the Modern Greek Studies course from being discontinued.

“By cutting funding to the Greek language program the Morrison Government is sending a message that they don’t value the Greek language.”

“Our multicultural nation is made stronger when second and third generation Australians have the full opportunity to remain strongly connected to their language and culture.”

“Australia has one of the largest Greek diaspora communities in the world and any understanding of modern Australia must include an understanding of all the cultures that have shaped it. If this program is discontinued, students, no matter their background, will be denied that opportunity and as a society we will be poorer for it.”

“We call on La Trobe University to reconsider this decision and to continue its Greeks Studies program.”

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Kytherian Association of Australia visits Ancient Greeks exhibition as part of centenary celebrations

Members of the Kytherian Association of Australia visited the Ancient Greeks exhibition at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney celebrate Feast of Ypapanti with family dinner dance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney celebrated the Feast of Panagia Ypapanti with a family dinner on Saturday, February 4.

Yiayia’s passion for science inspires granddaughter Voula Gaganis

It has been a few decades in the making, but Voula Gaganis has been guided by her yiayia’s own dream of a career in science.