Professor Penny Jane Burke delivers University Accord Summit keynote address
The University of Newcastle’s Professor Penny Jane Burke, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education and UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education, delivered a powerful keynote address titled "Transformative Reimagining: Sustainable Higher Education for Equity and Social Justice" at this year's University Accord Summit.
Through her keynote, Professor Burke articulated the challenges and opportunities in reshaping higher education to be more inclusive and equitable. She delved into the core issues plaguing the current state of higher education, including the insidious effects of inequality and the imperative to challenge deficit imaginaries that pathologize students from underrepresented backgrounds. Burke urged the audience to critically examine the purpose and values driving higher education.
"The work of equity requires us to reflect deeply on the directions we are taking, and what values underpin these directions.”
Amid the challenges presented by the global pandemic and the rush to 'normalcy,' Professor Burke invited the audience to critically question and reimagine the role of higher education in society.
"We are all too quick to recover the TINA effect – the narrative that there is no alternative. In a rush to recovery, we forget to ask critical questions about what forms of higher education we want to enable, for whom, and why.”
Burke posed fundamental inquiries about the purpose of higher education, the inclusivity of participation, and the intersectionality of equity and social justice. By engaging in critical questioning, she argued, we can challenge the status quo, envision new possibilities, and foster visionary thinking essential for transformative change.
Professor Burke advocated for a multidimensional framework that integrates redistribution, recognition, representation, and holistic well-being into the fabric of higher education initiatives. This approach, she emphasised, requires methodological rigor, ethical engagement, and a commitment to participatory practices.
Drawing from her work with the UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education, Professor Burke shared insights from a collaborative project addressing gender-based violence (GBV) among higher education students. She highlighted the profound impact of GBV on educational access and participation, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems and institutional reforms to create safer and more inclusive learning environments.
"Globally 1 in 3 women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime...These numbers are staggering and reveal that we have a long way to go to building equity."
Professor Penny Jane Burke's address at the University Accord was a clarion call for action, urging educators, policymakers, and institutions to deeply engage with the principles of equity and social justice. Through her profound insights and unwavering commitment, Burke has laid the groundwork for a transformative reimagining of higher education, one that prioritises the well-being and flourishing of all members of society.
If you would like to read Professor Penny Jane Burke’s Universities Australian Solutions Summit Keynote click here.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.