UQ celebrates Harmony Day

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay says recent world events have highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of tolerance and understanding.

In a statement marking Harmony Day 2002, Professor Hay said it was important to celebrate the diversity of ethnicities, cultures, languages, values and beliefs in the University’s community of staff and students.

“The University is proud of its ethnic and cultural diversity underlined by a climate of tolerance and respect,” he said.

“Diversity is an integral part of the University’s role in encouraging tolerance in education and in our society.”

UQ initiatives include the establishment of an Anti-Racism Committee chaired by Professor Alan Rix, and the Senate’s recent approval of a reconciliation policy, which commits UQ to a process of reconciliation with Australia’s indigenous peoples.

Harmony Day, which falls on 21 March each year, is a Commonwealth Government initiative that began in 1999, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism.

Media: for more information please contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 07 3365 1088