UPDATE: Stetson University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion released a statement October 7 apologizing for their controversial Che Guevara tribute in September, following YAF’s exposé. “The university regrets any pain this post caused,” they said in an Instagram post. “We remain deeply committed to fostering a positive learning environment that amplifies different backgrounds and honors our students’ thoughts and opinions.”
Last week, Stetson University profiled international terrorist and mass murderer, Che Guevara, in an Instagram campaign for Hispanic Heritage Month, according to a tip submitted through Young America’s Foundation’s Campus Bias Tipline. The post described Guevara as a “revolutionist,” including that “Time Magazine names him as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.”
Stetson University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion shared the photo of a beaming Guevara surrounded by flowers to their Instagram.
“Guevara is known around the world as the Argentine revolutionist and guerrilla leader who assisted the overthrow of the Cuban Government in 1959. He was eventually captured in Vallegrande, Bolivia and executed. Time Magazine names him as one of the most influential people of the 20th century,” the graphic read, along with the title “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.”
Outraged students, parents, and community members immediately spoke up.
“Che and his Communist comrade Fidel Castro’s regime rose to power after my family sought the freedom and liberty of the United States” Enrique Collazo, Chairman of Stetson Young American’s for Freedom, told YAF.
“If my great grandfather were alive today witnessing praise for the murderous Guevara, he would surely weep at the use of romanticized Cuban propaganda…”
He added that “Any right-minded person, no matter their political affiliation, should be able to recognize these atrocities and understand that there is no reason a rational person would praise and support anyone involved in the Castro Regime, especially Che Guevara. Three Quarters of a century later, the suffering of the Cuban people tragically continues unabated as peaceful protesters are still beaten, tortured, and jailed.”
Collazo concluded by demanding the removal of the responsible parties. “The members at Stetson University’s YAF and I are calling that those responsible for creating and sharing this post are immediately fired for their praise of a man who sought to permanently silence all that opposed his socialist politics. This is not simply a mistake, but a blatant disregard for public knowledge in order to rewrite our values as a society.”
“We will not allow Stetson or the world to forget the torture, execution, forced labor, poverty, and authoritarianism Guevara and his comrades imposed on the Hispanic people of Cuba and beyond.”
YAF reached out to both Bruce Chong, Vice President for University Marketing, and Joanne Harris-Duff, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, for comment, however they did not respond to phone calls or emails.
Though the post was removed only hours later, the pain felt by Latin Americans, particularly Cubans, is still felt. During his vicious campaigns to impose Communism on countries throughout Latin America, Che Guevara trained and motivated the Castro regime’s firing squads that executed thousands of men, women, and children.
YAF hosts ‘No More Che Day’ on October 9, the anniversary of his death. The day is used to educate the campus community about Guevara’s atrocities.
For decades, the Left tried to glorify murderers and thugs like Lenin, Mao, and even Stalin. They are discredited today because people are aware of their evil deeds. Che is more obscure. He is one notorious figure who is idolized by the Left and hailed as a “hero,” yet most students never learn the truth about his cult of violence.
If this event proves anything, it’s that YAF’s ‘No More Che Day’ is necessary now more than ever. YAF students must reveal the truth about Guevara to their peers and communities despite the attempts of radicals to sanitize his legacy.
Learn how to participate in ‘No More Che Day’ here.
