Aristegui Noticias: Originally published in the newspaper El Universal:
To the Public: The undersigned belong to the Mexican academic community. As part of it, we condemn plagiarism in all its variants. The case that occupies Mexican society these days is the thesis written in the early nineties by the current president, Enrique Peña Nieto. This thesis was presented to the Faculty of Law of the Panamerican University and, therefore, it is that faculty that will respond specifically to the evidence presented. The fact is serious, in itself, for all that it implies about the values that should guide not only academic life, but life in society. As regards the first, without these values, among which intellectual honesty, the development of knowledge in all fields is virtually unthinkable.
Both presidential spokespersons, such as Secretary of Education [Aruelio Nuño] and the director of the thesis in question (who is now a member of the Judiciary of Mexico City), as well as a part of public opinion, have downplayed the fact. This seems even more disturbing. As academics and as citizens, we believe it is an elementary duty to point out the unacceptable misconduct. If this behavior is relatively common, that does not diminish the obligation. Academic plagiarism is an action which violates intellectual work and the minimum standards that should govern the operation of any university, as well as essential aspects in the training of Mexican youth. It should be remembered that the university does not primarily train academics, but men and women with the knowledge, values and essential tools to build a better society.
As long as there does not arise an awareness of the myriad implications and negative consequences entailed in academic plagiarism, as long as it is still considered a minor error and as long as there is no adequate legislation to identify and punish it, it will remain a more or less recurrent practice among students, professors and researchers in Mexico. Although, in recent years, several cases have come to light that have led to discussion of the issue and some proposals have been presented in this regard, the relevant authorities and society as a whole have not reacted to the degree that the problem warrants and demands.
Honesty is not, nor can it be, something bought and sold, but a principle that should govern academic life, political life and social life. Demanding this value in all areas is a necessary part of the fight against corruption and impunity.
(Signed by 193 academics from numerous universities in Mexico.)
Spanish original