Recently The Financial Review published an opinion piece written by Pru Goward that vilified 'the poor' and pedalled several mistruths and harmful stereotypes about them.

Pru Goward is a Professor of of Social Interventions and Policy at Western Sydney University (WSU).

The views published in the article appear to be antithetical to the values promoted at WSU; an institution that alleges to pride itself on providing access to higher education to people from numerous vulnerable groups, including those from low socioeconomic demographic communities.

The opinions shared in the article are hurtful and harmful to the students of Western Sydney University, especially those from vulnerable groups who come to WSU because they feel they can find a sense of belonging there. 

I and many of the students I know started at Western Sydney University to bring ourselves OUT of the cycle of poverty that we were BORN into. We are far from being damaged, lacking in discipline, and self-interested as her article infers.

Western Sydney University must condemn Pru Goward's comments immediately and stand up for its students (especially those from lower socioeconomic groups) by removing Pru Goward from her position.

Pru Goward's views do not reflect the best interests of WSU students who deserve to feel safe, worthy, and respected on campus. Additionally, someone with such a discontent for 'the poor' should not be overseeing research that seeks to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. 

https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/don-t-underestimate-the-underclass-20211018-p5910c?fbclid=IwAR3XfbvUB0xfwjniyKukXV5_C4I0zeo8C5DwMamQFPD1Hzi5LFIuJgHpIXI