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Phản Đối Việc Treo Cờ VC tại Đại Học Texas tại Arlington Vietnamese American to Protest the Communist Flag at The University of Texas at Arlington
Letter from Texas House Representatives to UTA
April 24, 2006 Dr. Michael Moore, Associate Provost University of Texas at Arlington Office of the Provost 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Suite 300 Arlington, TX 76013 Via: E-Mail, Next Day Mail
Dear Dr. Moore,
It is with great concern that I write you today to ask your intervention in the removal of the Vietnamese Communist flag (yellow star and red background) from display at the campus of UT Arlington.
I have heard from a multitude in both the Vietnamese-American and other communities who are very distraught over the flying of the Vietnamese Communist flag on the campus.
While I understand the need for cultural diversity and am trying to understand your position that flying this flag is the right thing to do because it is the flag that is recognized by the United Nations, I do not believe that displaying the Vietnamese Communist flag helps to advance the fostering of unity of purpose, nor does the display of this flag cultivate mutual respect.
I read with dismay various newspaper articles detailing the severe distress that participation in events at UT Arlington under the Vietnamese Communist flag caused students there. In direct opposition to the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag (three red stripes on a yellow background), which is widely embraced because of its long history as a symbol of resilience, freedom, democracy, and respect for civil and human rights, the Vietnamese Communist flag represents dictatorship, tyranny and persecution.
From February 2003 to January 2006, nine states, three counties and 76 cities (including the city of Arlington) have adopted Resolutions recognizing the Vietnamese Heritage &
Freedom Flag. Numerous universities have removed the Vietnamese Communist flag and replaced it with the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag. To my knowledge, four colleges in the Dallas/Fort Worth area have already honored the community's wish for the removal of the Vietnamese Communist flag from their campuses.
The last paragraph of UT Arlington's Mission statement reads as follows: "Mindful of its role as a resource to the community, locally, nationally, and internationally, the University continually seeks partnerships with public and private concerns in order to advance the economic, social, and cultural welfare of its constituencies. We serve the needs of the North Texas community by sponsoring public lectures and academic symposia, as well as artistic, musical, and dramatic productions." With that in mind, and as a show of respect for the Vietnamese American community and all they have contributed to this region and this country I ask that you facilitate the removal of Vietnamese Communist flag. My colleagues and representatives from the Dallas/Fort Worth area are also supportive of replacing the Vietnamese Communist flag with the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag on the UT Arlington campus. The reason my colleagues join me in this effort to remove and replace this flag is best expressed by the Vietnamese-American Public Affairs Committee; Vietnamese Americans are our residents, taxpayers and constituents. They ask that we recognize their contribution by respecting how they would prefer to be represented. Vietnamese Americans believe that the current Vietnamese Communist Government does not have a say or a right to tell how Vietnamese Americans should be represented. We live in a democratic society in which our civil and human rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution and all its institutions. They are entitled to their way of thinking but have no right to infringe upon the rights of Vietnamese Americans. The Vietnamese Communist Government does not represent the Vietnamese American community in the United States. If there is anything that I may be of assistance with or if you have questions you may call me at any time. Sincerely,
Hubert Vo
The Honorable Yvonne Davis The Honorable Will Hartnett House District 111 House District 114
The Honorable Fred Hill The Honorable Jesse Jones House District 112 House District 110
The Honorable Jodie Laubenberg The Honorable Charlie Geren House District 89 House District 99
The Honorable Terri Hodge The Honorable Jim Jackson House District 100 House District 115
The Honorable Mary Denny The Honorable Anna Mowery House District 63 House District 97
The Honorable Rafael Anchia The Honorable Bob E. Griggs House District 103 House District 91
The Honorable Tony Goolsby The Honorable Todd Smith House District 102 House District 92
The Honorable William "Bill" Keffer The Honorable William "Bill" Zedler House District 107 House District 96
The Honorable Linda Harper-Brown The Honorable Kent Grusendorf House District 105 House District 94
cc: James D. Spaniolo, President- UT Arlington
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