SOAS asks Adam Habib to step aside over n-word row
SOAS University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) has instructed its director, Professor Adam Habib, to step aside from his duties at the institution, pending an independent investigation into his use of the n-word just recently.
The former Wits University vice chancellor and principal sparked outrage after a video clip of his virtual sitting with the students went viral, in which he can be seen defending his use of the n-word. This quickly caught the attention of South Africans, including members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who called for the institution to fire him.
“As chair of the board, I have agreed with Director Adam Habib that he will step aside while this investigation takes place, so as to not compromise the investigation,” said Marie Staunton, Chairperson of the institution’s board.
“We will continue to find ways to facilitate the mediated conversations and engagement – including with Adam – that centre the Black community and SOAS community broadly, in ways that also do not compromise the process of the investigation”
Will Adam Habib be fired for using the n-word?
As of Thursday, March 18, 2021, Adam Habib will not be reporting for duty, at least for now, just ahead of the commencement of the investigation.
In the meantime, the SOAS’ Professor Claire Ozanne will serve as the Interim-Director. She is currently the Deputy Director and Provost at SOAS.
While Habib has tried to defend his use of the word, however many of his detractors here in South Africa are still not impressed and want the international institution to take action against him.
According to Habib, a student had raised a question on how the university intends to addressing anti-black racism. When giving his response, Habib then used the n-word.
“I did use the word (and) said: ‘if someone used the word ‘n*gger’ against another staff member, then it would violate our policy & action would be taken’,” he said explaining himself.
Habib then said that another student objected to him uttering the racial slur, arguing that only those who were black could do so.
“I did say that I am surprised by the reaction because I could have made the same statement in the context of the same argument back home without provoking this reaction. I did not say we use the word in SA. This is a deliberate distortion used for despicable political agendas,” he said.
Students in the UK are fed up with Adam Habib
— Modibe Modiba (@mmodiba10) March 11, 2021thank God. We’ve been warning people about this uncultured charlatan.
He used the N Word in a meeting with Students.
NB: Got the video from Mcebo Dlamini pic.twitter.com/DPcuUo1WgG
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