The Vegan Society has supported a legal case in Peru against the National Major University of San Marcos, which asks the university to recognise veganism as a protected belief and offer suitable vegan meal options.
The case, which sets a precedent in Peru as the first constitutional lawsuit addressing veganism as a possible ground for discrimination, was brought forward by two students, Gabriela Santos Tacuri and Luis Nitai Syam Florian Andrade. The students argue that the absence of a vegan meal option at their university violates their rights to equality and non-discrimination and jeopardises their right to health and sustenance.
In response to the concerns raised by the students, the university has commented that it is “of the people”, suggesting that veganism is elitist, and raised objections relating to the costs of vegan alternatives. This response from the university highlights misconceptions about a vegan diet and underlines the need for education about the ethical, environmental and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle.
Dr Jeanette Rowley, Chair of The Vegan Society’s International Right’s Network, submitted information in the form of an amicus curiae brief to the court highlighting that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief entitled to the protection afforded by Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the international principle of non-discrimination.
Ethical veganism is an overarching belief that governs one’s conduct and practices and has been found to be within the scope of the international human right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Through existing legal provisions grounded in this right, The Vegan Society has previously supported cases and brought about policy changes in areas including prison policy, education and employment.
This case, which will be heard in September, aims to require the National Major University of San Marcos to follow the lead of many universities around the world and provide healthy, plant-based meal options as standard and recognise that veganism is a protected ethical principle.
Commenting on the case and the impacts for wider society, Dr Jeanette Rowley said: “I am delighted to have submitted important information about veganism and the internationally recognised legal principles that protect vegans from discrimination. It is vital that we support courts around the world by sharing information that assists with the decision-making process.”
If you have experienced unfair treatment or discrimination, you can contact knowyourrights[at]vegansociety[dot]com.
