21 May 2009

University expels students for burning NZ flag

7:10 pm on 21 May 2009

A university has expelled three students for burning a New Zealand flag on its Wellington campus on Anzac Day.

The students from Victoria University say it was an anti-war protest.

The university says the trio are not being punished for the protest, but because their act of burning a New Zealand flag caused a significant health and safety issue.

Dean of Humanities Deborah Willis says witnesses told the university that no warnings were given before the flag burning on 25 April and there was nothing available nearby to put out the fire.

Ms Willis says the expulsion means the students will miss their final exams, but they are entitled to appeal against the decision.

Two of the students say they did not think health and safety was a problem, as it was raining when they burned the flag.