From: Daniel Soto Mayorga We, the members of the Gay University Students Colective Group (CGU), knew about a recent accusation against students at the International University of the Americas (UIA). The accusation, presented by Francisco Peralta, promotes discrimination against a number of students who are being labeled as homosexual because of "their dressing style and their behavior in general." As a result, the UIA published a response in the newspaper "La Nacion" on August 15. Many of the ideas expressed in that response provide little room for further thought or any solutions to the real problems of the students. On the contrary, they promote a "witch hunt" not appropriate of educators or educational administrators. We perceive a clear fascist attitude in the UIA response that hurts the development of moral and ethical values in the Costa Rican society because it shows no tolerance nor respect to the human right to be different. With the so-called pretext of preserving ethical values and the Costa Rican traditions, the response hides homophobic attitudes and stereotypes that associate fashion and self-determination in dressing styles with homosexuality. We believe that homosexuality is a sexual possibility that may happen in any human grouping. It is even accepted by the new catholic catechism which states in point 2358 that "all signs of discrimination against homosexuals should be avoided and they should be looked upon with respect". To think that stockings, earrings or long hair equals homosexuality is ridiculous, otherwise, any person, even the members of the sports teams supported by the UIA, would be gay, and therefore they wouldn't be eligible to belong to the university. The UIA news response attempts to dictate the way Costa Ricans should dress and behave as individuals. The UIA people show little knowledge of our constitution that states that "every citizen is equal to the law and no discrimination should be done against human dignity" (art. 33). (It's not contradictory that the UIA manipulates "the values inherited to us by great men", because these men were the ones that did not allow women to vote or to hold public offices until 1953. ) If Costa Rica prouds itself to be "the oldest democracy in Latin America", educators should make the effort to ensure that educational curriculums promote self-criticism, social development and the right to be different" in this country. We ask people to complain about this discriminatory action that threatens human rights. Please direct you messages to: send a postcard o letter to: Lic. Miguel Angel Gutierrez Alvarez Rector de la UIA, fax (506) 22-3216. Apdo postal 1447-1002 Paseo los Estudiantes San Jose Costa Rica Ademas con copia al Colectivo Gay Universitario Apdo. 1476-2050 San Pedro, with copy to: San Jose Costa Rica. Translation by: Isidro Bruno miembro de Arenal (the gay,lesbian & Bisexual spanish list) UPDATE: Costa Rican suprem court has asked this University to change its policy or Close for ever, we need more of your help. Please send a postcard, or a fax. Daniel Soto xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Daniel Soto Mayorga Pledge of allegiance: "...With liberty DSOTO@UCS.INDIANA.EDU and justice for all". Why is "all" so hard DSOTO@IUBACS.BITNET to understand ? DSOTO@INDINA.EDU xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx