Australian National University distances itself from professor caught in vile spitting incident
An Australian university has sought to distance itself from a 'Yes' campaigning professor caught in a viral video spitting on a 'No' voter as the nation's Indigenous Voice referendum turns ugly.
The video captures a 'Yes 23' campaign volunteer spitting in the face of a member of the public who was filming the heated altercation at the time.
The incident, now under police investigation, occurred at 12.30pm on Sunday at Centennial Park in Cooma, NSW.
The Australian National University when contacted by Rebel News sought to distance itself from the 'Yes' campaigner, identified as Denise Ferris, saying in a statement that 'Emeritus professors' were not paid members of staff.
"This video has just been brought to the University's attention," the statement read.
"We will investigate and take appropriate action as required.
"Emeritus professors are not paid members of staff."
The 'Yes' volunteer, immediately denied spitting at the man despite the act being caught on camera.
#VoteYES to the Voice campaigner SPITS in the face of a member of the public. What a disgrace! @AlboMP you did this. Make her go viral! This is why we #VoteNO pic.twitter.com/kTDnYqVJIR
— Aussie Cossack (@aussiecossack) September 20, 2023
The severity of the incident underscores the fervour and animosity present in the current discourse.
The video, which lacks both pre and post context, shows the Yes 23 volunteer engaging in an argument with the man who alleges the volunteer grabbed his phone and spat on him.
🚨 Labor loyalists DEFECT over Voice to Parliament vote
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) September 20, 2023
Forget the activists, politicians and celebrities; I hit the streets to find out what REAL Aussies are thinking about next month's referendum!
MORE: https://t.co/DPWelESsjJ pic.twitter.com/3nz0THJpkO
The intense debate surrounding the referendum has sparked tensions in the public sphere. Various prominent figures from the 'Yes' campaign have drawn criticism for their behaviour as the referendum draws near, with some labelling 'No' voters as racists.
Australians will vote on the Voice to Parliament on October 14.
