NZ ‘Nazi’ students pay the piper
The 15 students involved in a “Nazi” party at Christchurch’s Lincoln University have been ordered to travel to Wellington at their own expense to visit the city’s Holocaust museum…and have been fined NZ$200.On their return to the campus following their experiences and short education at the Wellington Holocaust Research and Education Centre , the students are to write a 2000-word essay on “a suitable topic”. They may also visit the German Embassy
Steven Goodman who heads the New Zealand Jewish Council, told J-Wire: “My understanding is that if the essays do not meet the required standard, the students involved will not receive results for this year and will be banned from first term studies next year. I am very appreciative that the university has taken the matter so seriously and hope that the students concerned will benefit.” The university has confirmed Goodman’s statement.
The Oktoberfest party held on the first night of Rosh Hashana. Some students had dressed in Nazi attire and others as concentration camp inmates. The two students responsible for organising the party have been told they must carry out 150 hours of community service within the university.
Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field said: “The students’ conduct was totally offensive. The penalties will expose them to the horrors of the Holocaust.”
