A group of university students who attended a party in Ku Klux Klan costumes and another in blackface will be required to complete a course on Indigenous culture.
Charles Sturt University identified the students after photos were posted on social media last month from a “politically incorrect” themed party at a pub in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Images also showed party-goers dressed as Nazi soldiers with Jewish prisoners.
The university announced it had issued the penalties on Monday and said the students would also have to “engage with Indigenous and Jewish communities”.
CSU vice-chancellor, Prof Andrew Vann, said the images had “resulted in global outrage and contact to the University from individuals around the globe.”
“On a local level, it deeply offended our Indigenous and Jewish communities,” he said.
“Individuals, community groups, fellow students and those involved will all have differing opinions on the penalties. As a University we will not tolerate or condone this behaviour, we will however work with students during their suspension to further educate them on the cultural impact of their actions.”
“All students involved in the incident have shown remorse for their actions and been offered ongoing counselling and support.
“CSU has a strong stance against racism as outlined in our Anti-Racism Policy. I am satisfied that the outcomes of our investigation reflect this view.”
The university did not say how many students were excluded or suspended or how many would have to complete the course.
The party was organised on Facebook as an exam period celebration, with students attending told to "grab a kit that would legally get you in sh--".
News spread fast on social media after an Indigenous man shared one of the images on Facebook, commenting in disbelief.
A course description for the Indigenous culture subject says it “provides students with knowledge and understanding of pre- and post-invasion Indigenous Australian cultures”.
“This subject will assist students to identify social justice issues which are of concern to contemporary Indigenous Australians including: the International Human Rights framework, health, education, employment, native title and heritage protection, and criminal justice.
“This subject will introduce strategies and skills for working effectively within Indigenous Australian contexts or with Indigenous Australian colleagues.”
