Teachers, students, families and community members in Newcastle NSW – gathering under the name No Weapons for Genocide – have called on the University of Newcastle to end ties between the Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) and global weapons giant Lockheed Martin.
The SEC is an award-winning, national science program designed for primary and secondary schoolchildren.
No Weapons for Genocide have repeatedly requested an opportunity to meet with program and university leadership to discuss the issue of children’s exposure to Lockheed Martin branding and influence. The University has refused to engage.
In NSW, education department policy recognises that – just like tobacco, gambling, or alcohol companies – weapons companies should not be involved with schools. Nevertheless, third party programs like the SEC continue to accept money from weapons companies, in exchange for access to children.
In an open letter to the Chancellor and Vic Chancellor, No Weapons for Genocide highlight the acute harm caused by Lockheed Martin products deployed in Gaza.
Support the campaign to end Lockheed Martin’s harmful influence by sending a message to Uni Newcastle leadership: click here.
“Lockheed Martin seeks to appeal to children with the provision of branded merchandise such as drink bottles and backpacks…”