This is the memorandum handed over to UCT management today during our Pink Protest.

Dear University Management,

With this memorandum we hope to bring to the attention of the University that the burning of the closet on Monday, 4th October 2010, was not only a homophobic hate crime, but a blatant infringement of the human right to freedom of belief, opinion and expression.  The burning of the closet serves as a wakeup call to students and faculty alike that the homophobia their fellow LGBTI students face is real and threatening.

RainbowUCT is calling for swift and decisive action.

We request University management to:

• Take the necessary and effective steps to combat homophobia in the student body at UCT including, but not limited to, extensive LGBTI sensitivity training in residence and orientation programmes.
• To punish the perpetrators, if caught, not with expulsion, but with community service and a public apology.
• To launch an official enquiry regarding the burning down of the closet.
• To investigate Campus Protection Services slow response.
• To create a safe space for LGBTI students in the form of an office space or room

In conclusion, RainbowUCT wishes to offer any assistance that may help in the elimination of homophobia on the UCT campus. We also thank all those within the University management who have offered their support and solidarity in combating homophobia on UCT campus.

Yours sincerely,

RainbowUCT