Did you see the abhorrent comments by Auckland University of Technology's Dean of Law Khylee Quince circulating on social media last night?

I am shocked that a Dean in a New Zealand law school would say such a thing. In fact, I feel so strongly that I wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University.

Dean Khylee Quince who has a mere handful of years of junior practising experience prior to joining academia, is referring to Gary Judd who has been a Queen's Council and then King's Council for 29 years. He has appeared before the Supreme Court and Privy Council more than a dozen times each. Hat tip to Kiwiblog for this information. 

In my letter to the Vice Chancellor I convey our deep concern that someone in such a prominent position in their law school has:

a) used such abusive and disrespectful language;

b) publicly demonstrated disdain for our system of law and the right of people of all perspectives to take legal action;

c) contributed to the toxicity of the debate about the role of tikanga and the Treaty in law rather than using her position to foster respectful discussions.

d) failed to live up to legislative expectations of lawyers.

Click here to send your own letter to the Vice Chancellor.

In response to Dean Quince's comments, Gary Judd KC (whom she is talking about) said:

What sort of lawyers will be produced by a law faculty led by someone who resorts to petty abuse instead of engaging in rational argument? 

Why did she not explain why tikanga is law? Why did she not explain why a body of law built up over centuries for the purpose of testing whether a custom should be accorded the status of law must be jettisoned because tikanga cannot meet those standards? Why did she not answer other matters raised in my complaint to the regulations review committee? Responses like those could have been expected from a person holding a privileged leadership position.

I have been conscious to write my correspondence to the university in the manner in which I would have expected the Dean to communicate. I strongly encourage you to do the same. We do not advance our cause of equality in New Zealand by stooping to the level Dean Quince did.

We must let AUT know that New Zealanders are entitled to discuss, debate, and legally challenge matters regarding tikanga, the Treaty, and race relations in our country.

Students must not be taught that to question law and policy changes makes them "racist dinosaurs". They certainly should not be taught that it is appropriate to tell people they disagree with to "go die quietly".