Griffith University students should not be academically penalised for respectfully choosing not to perform an Acknowledgement of Country.

In one of my courses, the assessment criteria indicated that an Acknowledgement of Country was required to receive full marks. This means students will be academically disadvantaged for declining to personally deliver a statement they do not sincerely wish to make.

This petition is not opposed to Acknowledgements of Country. Students and staff who genuinely wish to deliver one should remain completely free to do so. However, an acknowledgement should be voluntary, not something students feel compelled to perform to protect their grades.

University assessments should measure relevant knowledge, skills and learning outcomes. Students can demonstrate respectful understanding of Indigenous perspectives without being required to personally affirm prescribed wording.

This principle should protect every student, regardless of their political beliefs, cultural background or personal views. No student should have to choose between acting according to their conscience and receiving the marks their academic work deserves.