Over 100 students gathered to protest at the University of NSW library lawn on Tuesday against the decision by the University to stop new enrolments in Modern Greek studies as of 2010, effectively phasing out the department.
The event was an initiative of the Youth Committee of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW following meetings with other Greek Australian Student and Youth groups, including Sydney University Greek Society, University of Technology Hellenic Society, Maquarie University Greek Association, University of NSW Hellenic Society, National Union of Greek Australian Students and NSW Youth Committee of the Council of Greeks Abroad Oceania (SAE).
Blue and white flags and banners adorned the university’s courtyard directly opposite the offices of the Faculty of Arts within which the Modern Greek department is situated.
Slogans including Education before profits – save Modern Greek studies at UNSW, Fight for your right to study Modern Greek and Let us study Modern Greek were chanted by the students that rallied.
In the true Greek spirit, the smell of the souvlaki BBQ engulfed the campus, drawing attention from other non-Greek students who signed the petitions in support.
At midday the students together with other members of the university community gathered for the speeches.
Students were asked to enrol in more Modern Greek subjects to show the University that the passion and interest for the Modern Greek language, culture and history is still alive.
Groups of students enrolled on the day in an attempt to help the Modern Greek department.
Protesting students with flags and banners in their arms stormed the offices of the Faculty of Arts chanting Save Modern Greek!
They took their message all the way to the office of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, James Donald, where they met with his representative Chris Lewis.
After listening to their demands Mr. Lewis explained to the students that the Faculty is not willing to reinstate a permanent full time position, effectively killing the department.
He acknowledged the passion and enthusiasm of the students and assured them that if numbers in the department grew there would be a chance to save Modern Greek.
However as the conversation went on he explained that it was unlikely that the University of NSW would change its mind, claiming a lack of resources and funding.
The students vowed to continue their protests against the decision, knowing that the department is financially self sufficient for at least another ten years and that over 200 students are currently enrolled in the department.