UNIVERSITY-WIDE
COUNCIL OF HISPANIC ORGANIZATIONS - UCHO
Dear Rep. Noriega,
My name is German Trejo and I serve as Vice President of the University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations (UCHO) at the second largest university in the United States, The Ohio State University. The mission UCHO is to foster communications among the various social, professional and educational Hispanic organizations and to advocate for the continuing development of recruitment, retention, educational, social and cultural programming for Hispanic students, faculty and staff at The Ohio State University. UCHO is also the official representative of the OSU Hispanic/Latino students, faculty and staff.
Among our member organization are the Asociacion de Estudiantes Mexicanos, Alpha Psi Lambda (the oldest Hispanic/Latino organization in the US), Hispanic Organization of Texas Students, Hispanic Organization in Engineer and Architecture, Hispanic Business Student Association, Hispanic Law Students Association, Hispanic Graduate Organization, Folclor Hispano, Canto Latino, Puerto Rican Students Association, Venezuelan and Friends, and others.
It has come to my attention that resolution HR 107 was introduced by Rep. Bonnen, “recognizing that the ancient Macedonians are Hellenes and that the inhabitants of the northern province of Greece, Macedonia, are their Hellenic descendants”. At this point this resolution has been referred to the Border and International Affairs Committee. Such bill represents not only a transgression on the international affairs context, violating the universal mandate of respect to others countries and nations’ sovereignty, but also, infringes in to historical, political and ethnic aspects. This type of behavior has caused in the past historical catastrophes, like civil and inter-state wars, division between states, and atrocities like ethnic cleansing and genocide. Minorities simply cannot accept this.
In the past your leadership and commitment towards minorities has been a national model, especially for young Hispanic/Latino students. Therefore, and on behalf of the many Texan Hispanic/Latino students at OSU, and as a concerned member of a minority group, call you to advocate against of resolution HR 107. It is my responsibility as an elected representative of my constituency to voice their opinion by expressing the solidarity of Hispanic/Latinos at The Ohio State University to our Macedonian brothers and Sisters. As elected representative of yours, please voice our concerns regarding this initiative when voting for this bill. Lest do not allow this resolution to become a excuse for others to use the American Legislature system, as a tool to reach dark interests.
Sincerely,
German Trejo Caballero
Vice President
University-wide Council of Hispanic Organizations
The Ohio State University