On Wednesday February 12th a person entered Te Iho o Te Manawataki – the University Library and defaced an Anti-Racism exhibit.

The University staff and security are currently working through CCTV footage to investigate the incident.

University Librarian Michelle Blake reiterated the University had “Zero tolerance for racial harassment or vandalism” while also praising the quick work of her staff in restoring the exhibit.

“Library staff worked quickly to restore the exhibit. These staff members have been commended by University leadership for taking action on behaviours that undermine a culture of safety and acceptance” said Blake.

“As part of our new University strategy, Kia haere whakamua, we have committed to continuing to mainstream efforts to become a truly anti-racist institution.”

While the response by the University is both laudable and measured, Nexus felt compelled to add two things. The first is that this ‘Bro-ligarchy’ of pseudo fascists who listen to Joe Rogan and think they’re edgy for doing this shit is actually a little tiresome. We will talk more about it in an upcoming issue and about the impact it has.

Secondly, if you are the person that did this… Stop reading. This magazine isn’t for you. The best thing any new student can do is open themselves up to ideas. That is what a University is for, but when your ideas are collected from the base impulses of racists and bigots… maybe Waikato isn’t for you.