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Academic relieved of her position at University of Fiji

Kreetika Kumar Multimedia Journalist [email protected] | @KreetikaFBCNews

July 20, 2019 6:44 am

University of Fiji Academic Doctor Litiana Kuridrani has been given a slap on the wrist by her employers, for uttering racist comments.

Kuridrani, who had hit out at Law Students Association President Filipe Bainivalu comparing him to a “Barking Indian Dog”, has been relieved of her position as Director of Centre of i-Taukei Studies but will remain employed by the university.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Subramani told FBC News two days ago that he is still waiting for an investigation report and will not comment until then.

Not happy with the outcome, Bainivalu says to date he has not seen the recommendations made by the investigative committee.

“On the recommendations of the committee, I was not disclosed of the full report, I liaised with the council chair Mr. Tikaram and via email, he told me that it is the decision of the council to give me the final decision rather than giving me the full report.”

Bainivalu says stricter action must be taken against Kuridrani and argues that relieving her of her position isn’t enough.

He has called for an independent investigation as the investigative committee was set up within the university.

He claims there may have been a conflict of interest.

“The decision is so biased. Number one the report of the investigative committee’s report did not come to me. Number two the investigative committee that was set up was within the University and no one was chosen from outside.”

Bainivalu says the University needs to be transparent regarding the investigation and its outcomes.

Efforts to get a response on the latest developments from the University’s VC have proven futile.