December 2003    

PSC: Drop Charges Against Miguel Malo

This Resolution was passed by the Hostos Senate and City Wide PSC.  A similar resolution was also passed by the American Modern Language Association and the CUNY Faculty Senate.

WHEREAS, we uphold the first amendment rights of freedom of expression, and assembly as further embodied in the principles of Academic Freedom; and

WHEREAS, these rights were violated by the arrest of CUNY students and faculty on the Hostos campus on Wednesday and Thursday, August 15th and 16, 2001; and

WHEREAS, these arrests by-passed the due process and institutional governance of the College’s Disciplinary Committee; and

WHEREAS, access to the college was denied to credentialed CUNY faculty and students; and

WHEREAS, those arrests and related actions damaged the fragile image and reputation of Hostos Community College as an institution of higher learning”:

THEREFORE, we respectfully urge:

1.    That the Hostos and CUNY authorities use their influence to convince the District Attorney to drop the charges against Mr. Miguel Malo; and

2.    That Hostos should follow the proper procedure for dealing with disciplinary actions; and

3.    That a clear statement of principles applying to demonstrations and other matters relating to freedom of expression, assembly, and access be articulated and developed by a task force representing the entire college constituency; and

4.    That the Hostos governance bodies join in establishing an oversight committee to monitor the activities of Campus Security and ensure First Amendment rights and principles of Academic Freedom are fully respected on the campus; and

5.    That the President apologize to the college community in the spirit of conciliation, cooperation, and collegiality for by-passing the College’s due process and governance and for disregarding First Amendment rights and principles of Academic Freedom in condoning those arrests on our campus.

See also:
Defend Miguel Malo! (November 2003) 
Day One of Miguel Malo Trial  (1 December 2003) 
Day Two of Miguel Malo Trial  (2 December 2003) 
Day Three of Miguel Malo Trial  (3 December 2003) 
Day Four of Miguel Malo Trial  (4 December 2003) 
Day Five of Miguel Malo Trial  (5 December 2003) 

Return to The Frame-Up of Miguel Malo