Tue, 17 Nov 2009 3:01p.m.
Auckland University
The Security Intelligence Service is asking university staff to be on the lookout for foreign agents.
The SIS wants to stop foreigners getting their hands on technology associated with weapons of mass destruction, and is sending out brochures to alert university researchers and professors of possible signs.
But Tertiary Education Union president, Tom Ryan, says it is a waste of time.
"The SIS pretends that it should be considered normal for staff to report back to a spy agency. But such a practice would undermine the legislated autonomy of our institutions, including the guarantee of academic freedom," he says.
Mr Ryan is worried it may lead to some academics being targeted because of their religion or nationality.
"If any tertiary staff member sees something they suspect is illegal they should contact the police," he says.
"Otherwise their job is to advance and share knowledge; it is not to create an atmosphere where colleagues and students don't know whether they are being spied on or not. That can only inhibit genuine education and research."
3 News / RadioLIVE
