Costa Rican activists consider this discriminatory firing to be in clear violation of articles 28, 33, and 79 of the Costa Rican Political Constitution. Article 28 states that no one can be troubled or persecuted for manifesting their opinions or for any act that is not against the law. It goes on to state that private actions that do not harm morality or public order or which do not harm a third person are outside the action of the law. Article 33 states that every man is equal before the law and there can be no discrimination contrary to human dignity. Finally Article 79 guarantees the freedom to teach and places all schools, including private schools, under the supervision of the State.

The firing is also a violation of the following international treaties: article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and article 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Article 23 states, "Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment." Article 7 also recognizes the right of everyone to the enjoyment of work while ensuring particular conditions for remuneration, safety and health, equal opportunity to promotions and rest and leisure.

A person's sexual orientation does not diminish his/her right to participate in the educational process nor does it have any bearing on his/her effectiveness as a teacher. Homosexuality is in no way illegal or immoral, and does not affect the well being of others in the country.

Asociación Triángulo Rosa asks that letters be sent to the addresses that follow demanding that drastic measures be taken against Saint Paul High School. Letters should also demand that the Education Ministry, by means of the department that regulates private schools, insist on humanistic education without prejudice.

Eduardo Dorián
Ministro de Educación

Ministerio de Educación Pública
Apartado Postal 10087-1000
San José, Costa Rica
e-mail: minieduc@sol.racsa.co.cr

Carmen Castro Cordero
Directora del Departamento de Centros Privados

Ministerio de Educación Pública
Apartado Postal 10087-1000
San José, Costa Rica
e-mail: minieduc@sol.racsa.co.cr

Saint Paul High School
Director

Rodell Schneeringer de Ramírez
e-mail: sstpaul@sol.racsa.co.cr

Please send copies of the letters to :

Asociación Triángulo Rosa

P.O. Box 1619-4050
Alajuela-Costa Rica
e-mail: atrirosa@sol.racsa.co.cr