Student Rights Under Assault at FIU
Student Organization Faces Expulsion for Posting Human Rights Fliers

FOR AN UPDATE VISIT FIU's Curious Double Standard

For Immediate Release
August 21, 1997
Contact: John Suarez
(305)595-3346

On Thursday , August 21, 1997 at 3 p.m. students for freedom of speech and expression will be holding a press conference at the 107th Avenue entrance North of 16th street to Florida International University(FIU). The purpose of this conference is to discuss the new policies set up by the FIU Administration which restricts freedom of speech and of expression at FIU.

The FREE CUBA Foundation, an FIU organization dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy in Cuba, faces expulsion for posting fliers in remembrance of the victims of the July 13, 1994 massacre on the 13 de Marzo tugboat. The closed administrative hearing to decide the organization's future is being held at 1pm in GC 219. Media is not allowed at this hearing.

On June 5, 1997 Modesto A. Maidique issued a new policy on posting flyers and posters on campus. According to this new policy, which we were not informed of at the time, "the posting of flyers would not be permitted inside of classrooms or on the exterior grounds."

Additionally, according to FIU policy we have to seek their "approval" before contacting you in the media. Furthermore, we are told that any publicity produced by a student organization ..."should not reflect unfavorably on the university." Finally, "materials concerning special interest, causes, propaganda, newsletters, or handbills, will not be posted",...but limited to "information racks next to the information center.

"Our organization has struggled for the restoration of civil liberties and democracy in Cuba, and are outraged to see them nibbled away in our university, stated John Suarez , coordinator of the FREE CUBA Foundation. Mr. Suarez added that, " we are demanding that these policies that restrict freedom of expression and of association be ended. The University is embarking on a radical course to restrict the civil liberties of university students."

"Regardless of the outcome of our hearing these policies must be changed," stated Augusto Monge, one of the founders of the FREE CUBA Foundation. Mr. Suarez asks FIU,"if we are not to have the freedom of expression and speech at FIU, then what kind of students is that institution trying to produce? We believe that the freedom of students and student organizations to disseminate information, interact with the press, and criticize the university are fundamental to the formation of a democratic civic character."

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