Latino & Puerto Rican Affairs Commission denounces publication of insensitive and misogynistic cartoon.

Organization calls on Central Connecticut State University to convene conference of Latino community leaders.

(Hartford, Conn., September 20, 2007) ­– The LPRAC today issued a stern opinion on the comic strip controversy currently swirling around the CCSU Campus.

In a letter sent to CCSU administrators, the board of trustees and state officials, the Commission, whose mission it is to recommend policy for the advancement of Latino communities in Connecticut, condemned THE RECORDER’s continued insensitivity to women and to the State’s large Latino population.

“In the past twelve months, the editors of this so-called newspaper have found humor in sexual assault and the kidnapping and systematic torture of children,” said Fernando Betancourt, LPRAC executive director. “This isn’t journalism and this isn’t humor. This is hate speech pure and simple.”

In its letter to CCSU President John W. Miller, the LPRAC asked the University and its administration to immediately convene a meeting of statewide Latino leaders to address the issue and discuss a satisfactory resolution. In the meantime the Commission will continue to explore and consider any and all possible actions against The RECORDER and its editorial staff.

“The fact that the comic strip carried a disclaimer that read, ‘THE RECORDER does not support the kidnapping of (and subsequent urinating on) children of any age or ethnicity’ clearly shows the editors of this publication were well aware of its outrageously insensitive and salacious nature,” said Betancourt. “The editors knew it to be so offensive that they placed a disclaimer on it, yet they decided to disseminate it and deliberately offend the community.”

The Commission strongly believes that institutions of higher learning should reflect society’s highest ethical and moral standards, and that orchestrated and systematic discrimination of any kind cannot be tolerated.

The LPRAC will wait for a response from CCSU officials before announcing further action.