Vermont Cynic

Issue date: 1/23/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Marielle Ludwig Students question study abroad in the recently uprising city of Oaxaca

Since 1996, the Continuing Education rogram at UVM has organized a study abroad trip to the quiet Mexican city of Oaxaca, and until now the program has gone on with no problem - 2007 is different.

The program has been cancelled for 2007 because of recent events that have left the city and its people reeling and unsettled.

Since May of 2006, Oaxaca has been racked with massive political protest and violent police intervention. Although the violence has died down since the inauguration of President Vicente Fox, arbitrary detentions
and murders by paramilitary forces have continued throughout the end of last year and into 2007.

UVM appears to believe things will be fine by 2008 though, as they have continued planning for a program there next year.

The question in many student's minds is: will the city be able to maintain civility and stability in the face of massive public dissonance and governmental corruption?

The protest began on May 1, 2006, when a group of city teachers handed over to the local authorities a list of grievances
and demands, including better pay and essential amenities for their students including textbooks, medical services, etc.

When no response was received from the government, the teachers occupied the city center. There they were joined in support by the Popular Assembly for the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO), an umbrella group which consists of about 365 grassroots organizations including union groups, women's movements and indigenous and peasant groups, according to press reports.

The APPO claims it is not subversive in any way, but nonviolent; they are not looking to overthrow the current government of Oaxaca, only protect the rights of its people.

The protest lasted for five months, during which police and paramilitary forces often pelted the peaceful demonstration with tear gas and, on occasion, bullets. In the end, several people have been killed including an American journalist.

Damage costs range as high as $30 million.
The decision to cancel the UVM trip came after much deliberation by those involved in planning.

After looking closely at the situation in the city and studying all travel advisories, the general consensus was that the safety of the students was at risk, and such a risk was not worth taking. The University's concern for the safety of the students was at the heart of the decision not to go through with the 2007 program.

Continued...

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