Dr Duncan鈥檚 grave: a gift to the broader community
Left to right: Kansas Bird, President Student Pride Network, University of 亚洲色吧;听Dr Gertrude Glossip, Pride Historian;听Professor John Williams, Executive Dean of Arts, Business, Law, Economics, the University of 亚洲色吧; and Tim Reeves, Author, The Death of Dr Duncan, University of 亚洲色吧 Alumni. Photo by Jo-Anna Robinson.
听
Today, Thursday 24 November, the University of 亚洲色吧 is renewing its custodianship of Dr George Duncan鈥檚 grave in honour of his memory and so that the community may continue to pay their respects at his last resting place at Centennial Park.
Dr Duncan was a newly appointed lecturer at the University鈥檚 law school when, in March 1972, he lost his life in a crime that shocked the nation. He was thrown into the River Torrens and drowned.
鈥淭he death of Dr Duncan, fifty years ago, continues to resonate across the nation and especially within our community,鈥 said the University of 亚洲色吧鈥檚 Professor John Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics.
鈥淭he perpetrators of his death were never brought to justice and he left behind no family.
鈥淗alf a century on, it is important for the University to preserve Dr Duncan鈥檚 grave site for generations to come. It represents a pivotal and historic chapter in human and gay rights, not just in South Australia, but across the nation.
鈥淓quality and diversity are core values of the University of 亚洲色吧 and we continue to work to ensure that the community feels safe, valued and heard.鈥
鈥淗alf a century on, it is important for the University to preserve Dr Duncan鈥檚 grave site for generations to come. It represents a pivotal and historic chapter in human and gay rights, not just in South Australia, but across the nation."The University of 亚洲色吧鈥檚 Professor John Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics.
In 1972 the University paid for Dr Duncan鈥檚 burial and leased his grave for 50 years. The lease is being renewed for a further 50 years.
The University of 亚洲色吧 hosted a public commemoration to mark the renewal of its custodianship of Dr Duncan鈥檚 grave during 鈥楶ridevember鈥 and the last week of the Feast Festival 2022, South Australia鈥檚 biggest LGBTQI+ festival.
The memorial was attended by Professor Williams and political dignitaries such as Robert Simms Greens MLC.
Public outrage generated by the murder triggered homosexual law reform leading to South Australia becoming the first Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality.
The University of 亚洲色吧 was key to spearheading the campaign. No one was convicted of Dr Duncan鈥檚 murder.
Media contacts:
Cassie Young, Be Young PR, for further information and media opportunities.
Mobile:听0418 576 931. Email:听cassie@beyoungpr.com.au
Crispin Savage, Manager, Media and News, The University of 亚洲色吧.
Mobile: +61 (0)481 912 465. Email: crispin.savage@adelaide.edu.au