95bFM Aggressive recruitment tactics from religious groups being used on university campus
15 February, 2023
Interview by Jessica Hopkins, adapted by Stella Huggins
The Auckland University Student Association (AUSA) is warning students about aggresive religious groups that are targeting students on campus. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
The Auckland University Student Association (AUSA) and the University of Auckland have both released statements this week warning students about aggressive religious group recruitment tactics.
As semester one approaches, concerns are mounting about the number of students these groups will have access to.
AUSA President Alan Shaker, told Jessica Hopkins on 95bFM's The Wire that the primary strategy to combat the issue , for now, is raising awareness.
He confirmed that “a handful” of students had approached AUSA with concerns, and warned that particular groups are targeting isolated or vulnerable individuals.
Reports of the ‘aggressive tactics’ have included feeling unable to leave interactions, which the University has responded to with resources for students on navigating these situations.
Campus Life, AUSA, and staff have had meetings focused on increasing security’s response to incidents on campus, which Shaker says have been productive.
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