More than 3200 students have signed a petition opposing moves
to end compulsory membership of student associations.
The petition was organised by the Otago University Students
Association (OUSA) which, along with other student
associations, fears the passing of Sir Roger Douglas'
Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill will see
student associations and services fade away.
Submissions on the Bill closed yesterday and will be
considered by Parliament's education and science select
committee.
It is due to report back on May 28.
OUSA executive member and petition organiser Dan Stride said
he was delighted with the level of support for the petition.
The 3206 signatures represented almost 16% of all students
enrolled at the University of Otago and more than 18% of all
students studying at the Dunedin campus.
Copies of the petition had been sent to Prime Minister John
Key, Minister of Tertiary Education Steven Joyce, education
and science select committee chairman Allan Peachey, and
Opposition Leader Phil Goff, he said.
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