CHR asks EARIST to review rules to make it SOGIE-friendly

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urges the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) to review its codes of conduct to make them more conducive to the sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) of its students. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) to review its codes of conduct to make them more conducive to the sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) of its students.

“[W]e urge the school administration to review and analyze its existing student code of conduct, regulations, and policies, particularly in the context of exercising SOGIE, to ensure that all indicated provisions are inclusive and respect all students’ fundamental rights,” it said in a statement Monday.

READ: CHEd chief: Student leaders, EARIST reach deal after hair dispute

The CHR’s statement followed a viral video on social media showing a transgender student’s long hair being cut as a condition for enrollment.

The rights body said schools should be a place where students are respected and hatred and discrimination are not allowed.

“The Commission emphasizes that central to the primordial duties of schools and universities is to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, where all students feel safe, valued, and respected for who they are. Hatred and discrimination against anyone, particularly LGBTQIA people, has no place within our educational institutions,” the CHR said.

Last week, Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero de Vera III said the EARIST administration and its student representatives have reached an agreement on the matter.

According to the lawyer of the students, Eljay Bernardo, they have agreed with the EARIST administration that students can enroll in the school regardless of their hair length and that EARIST will study its uniform and grooming policies.

Wilfredo Riotoc, the president of the student advocacy group Bahaghari EARIST, emphasized that some educational policies concerning hair length and the like are not obstacles to education.

As for EARIST president Rogelio Mamaradlo, he said: “We will do what is right for EARIST and abide by the rules pertaining to the particular issue on gender sensitivity and enrollment procedures and all others affecting the LGBTQ, so we are one in the issue of inclusivity.”