Following up on a post last week about the possible eviction of Mexico City free radio station, Radio Zapote, from the School of Anthropology and History: Global Indymedia has a feature on the situation, along with photos and audio interviews in Spanish, with a summary in English.
Now it seems there are conflicted opinions at the University and the station may not be evicted afterall:
In an interview the Director told us, “There is no indication of eviction. There is the indication to analyze the situation, and if there is a better space to offer [Radio Zapote], we will give them this better space and offer the space [of Radio Zapote] to other groups. No decision has been taken. We are seeking better alternatives.”
That’s good news for Radio Zapote, however I think it’s wise for them to be prepared and alert. We might recall that the licensed shortwave Radio for Peace International was evicted from the Univeristy for Peace in Costa Rica back in 2003.
Universities are instruments of the state, by and large, even if they are kinder and gentler than most such instruments. Their institutional interests are political and economic, and while they will protect speech and intellectual inquiry more than most institutions, do not expect them to do so when threatened or offered incentive to renege on protections.