Third-level sector must do more to fight far-right discourse

International students are a key source of income for universities, but third-level leaders have been silent on the increasing racism they face here 

The recent attacks on Ipas centres in Citywest and  Drogheda did not happen in a vacuum. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

As beacons of truth and knowledge, we have a responsibility in higher education institutions to identify and call out disinformation in all its forms. Particularly here in Ireland, while people in other parts of the world are being penalised for speaking up, we have an opportunity, if not an obligation under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, to prevent discrimination, promote equality and protect human rights. 

Despite this duty, in times of prolonged, unprecedented crisis, there is a temptation for some people to keep their heads down in the hopes of avoiding potential challenge or controversy. Unfortunately, while we continue quietly, others are becoming emboldened to take action in increasingly vicious and violent ways.