UNM will not tolerate acts of racism or xenophobia

UNM Daily Lobo ^ | 9/19/07 | Rita Martinez-Purson, Cheo Torres

[Peter R. Lynch]

Editor,

We wish to respond to the recent incident involving the desecration of the Mexican national flag that was raised Friday on the south side of Scholes Hall.

The incident is still being investigated, but what we do know at this point is that after a ceremony celebrating the Mexican independence day - Dieciseis de Septiembre - the flag that was raised during the celebration was subsequently taken down and, as we understand it, ripped to shreds.

We understand that a suspect has been apprehended by the police, but the investigation is still ongoing at this time. We want it to be understood that the flag desecration is abhorrent to President David Schmidly and everyone in the administration.

In light of incidents that have taken place in the past several days involving students being targeted because of their race or nationality, we want it to be known that UNM will not tolerate acts of racism and xenophobia. These incidents will be answered with disciplinary and/or legal action against the responsible individuals. The person who perpetrated this despicable act will answer for it.

We wish to offer apologies on behalf of UNM to the Mexican Consul to New Mexico, Juan Manuel Solano; to the Mexican Student Association; to all Mexican nationals who have been affected by this deplorable act; and to anyone else who has been adversely affected by this incident. Please know we are doing everything in our power to make sure this act will be sternly

addressed.

Rita Martinez-Purson

Interim Vice President,

Institutional Diversity

Cheo Torres

Vice President

for Student Affairs

[Peter R. Lynch]

My fellow Americans,

My name is Peter Ryan Lynch; I am a student at UNM. I am a decorated 8-year veteran of the US military, honorably discharge this July. I am appalled a foreign banner flew unaccompanied on UNM campus flagpole for three days, including a US holiday. I am an American passionate about our country and I would feel the same way if it were ANY foreign banner.

The Mexican flag was flying over UNM campus unaccompanied by an American flag on U.S. Constitution Day 17 September 2007.

According to United States Code (Federal Law): "The flag should be displayed on all days especially on… Constitution Day, September 17…."

"The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution."

"The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse."

Throughout history, flying a nation’s banner is a claim of ownership. To do this on U.S. Constitution Day is an insult to all Americans. I am outraged that UNM administration allowed this happen. I thought before my class was over they would address the issue. I left class, and the foreign banner was still unaccompanied. I went to the dean’s office, pleading for action. I also notified Army ROTC, who has the honor of raising and lowering the US flag on UNM campus this month. I waited one and one half-hours after these notifications to take action myself. I made a profound statement and tore down this foreign banner. My actions although overzealous, are warranted.

Americans have one of the most diverse cultures on the planet, we embrace our differences, and unless you are a foreign visitor or illegal immigrant then your nationality is American! We are all equals under the Constitution and Stars and Stripes that protect us. Americans should fly their historical nations’ banners with pride. UNM is a public institution, governed by the laws of our nation, and on 17 September 2007, Federal law was broken; American’s are insulted. I am livid, with all the press coverage, only Julian "Top" Martinez said anything in my defense. Furthermore, the press has a responsibility to gather all the facts before printing.

I would like to assure El Centro de la Raza that hate or racism did not motivate my actions. I ask UNM administration specifically, David Schmidly (University President), Rita Martinez-Purson (Interim Vice President for Academic Diversity), and Cheo Torres (Vice President for Academic Affairs), to apologize to all the American Students, including Mexican-American students, for allowing a foreign banner to fly over UNM for three days in violation of Federal laws.

Sincerely, Peter Ryan Lynch

[pissant]

Maybe someone needed some cheap TP.

[ken21]

ouch!

the unm is in violation of u.s. laws.

[VOA]

UNM will not tolerate acts of racism or xenophobia

Apparently, not acts of American patriotism either.

Funny, burning an American flag is a "free speech" act.

But removal of foreign flag flown in breech of flag protocol...
now that's a hangin' offense.

[300winmag]

We wish to respond to the recent incident involving the desecration of the Mexican national flag that was raised Friday on the south side of Scholes Hall.

The US Supreme Court said we all have the right to desecrate an American flag as part of our right of free speech. Apparently alien flags on American soil are protected by the part of the same ruling written in invisible ink.

[Rembrandt]

“My name is Peter Ryan Lynch; I am a student at UNM.”

Peter, you should really consider making a run for office, perhaps Fed. Representative. Go out to conservative leaning money people and tell your story.Contact your Federal Republican Senator. Whether you want it or not, you are a worthy candidate for office.

[BnBlFlag]

But they wouldn’t say a damn thing if La Raza members desecrated an American Flag.
I bet they would really soil their Britches if someone dropped a Koran.

[Frank_2001]

Guess that’s what the Court meant by “emanations” and “penumbras”/s

[Obie Wan]

Rita Martinez-Purson

Interim Vice President,

Institutional Diversity

Cheo Torres

Vice President

for Student Affairs

Just a hunch,but I don’t think these people are Irish !!!

[kcvl]

Rita Martinez-Purson

Whether the vandalism was racially motivated or not, it was offensive, especially to the Hispanic community, Martinez-Purson said.

"There's still an impact that has to be dealt with," she said. "He did insult them. His thoughtless behavior had consequences."

Cheo Torres

“No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or IN PLACE OF, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof...”

[Lancey Howard]

Excellent! Welcome to Free Republic.

Semper Fidelis,
LH

[VOA]

Apparently alien flags on American soil are protected by the part
of the same ruling written in invisible ink.

You just reminded me of that event when someone messed with
a United Nations flag in San Diego.
I can't recall the outcome, but messing with the UN flag was
apparently a big deal to the local police (or their bosses).

Gad, it's probably been a dozen years since that happened.

[Archon of the East]

And we will not tolerate disrespect to our Country in the name of your perceived rights.

[ThomasPaine2000]

Nor do I think that R. Peter Lynch is either, I do believe he his an American....

[Just A Nobody]

Welcome to FreeRepublic! Thank you for your service to our country. It is an honor to have you with us.

[Domandred]

I swear one of these days someone is going to raise a Mexican flag on US Soil and people aren’t going to just take it down, it will be much much worse eventually.

[WayneM]

Welcome to Free Republic, Peter! Glad to have you here

[Graybeard58]

Welcome to F.R.

[Altura Ct.]

“celebrating the Mexican independence day”

The hell you say??

Remember the Alamo
remember our heroes
Remember why the died
their sacrifice

Freedom
will never die
From our ashes Texas will rise

We won’t surrender
We won’t retreat
our spirit they can’t defeat

We fought with honor
We lived with pride
as free texans we’re gonna die

Remember the Alamo
remember our heroes
Remember why they died
their sacrifice

Before dawn
we’ll all be gone
but a new star will be born

Don’t forget our sacrifice
defend this land
even with your life

Against the tiranny
we standed alone
we were just men
made of flesh and bones

David Crockett
Jim Bowie
William Travis
Tejanos
Free Texas
Muerte a Santa Anna

Victory or death

[crazyshrink]

Mr. Lynch.......Ty for your sevice to our country as well!!!

Whatever you do, don’t put their school addresses or emails on FR.