Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica, will visit Carleton in September to receive an honorary degree for his commitment to peace in Central America, but is facing protest.
Gary Christensen, a media personality currently working in Costa Rica, is spearheading the allegations against Arias. He said he wants to stop Carleton from conferring the honorary degree.
In a letter addressed to Carleton president Roseann Runte, Christensen accused Arias of numerous constitutional violations including “beatings, orders, extortion, constitutional fraud and violence to instil fear into the population.”
Despite Christensen’s allegations, the position of the university has remained consistent. They said they’re pleased to welcome Arias, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987.
Media relations coordinator Christopher Cline released a statement, saying Arias is “respected around the world for his leadership, his commitment to humanitarian causes and peace. We look forward to him being on Carleton’s campus where he will hopefully inspire our community with his thoughts on peace and humanitarian causes.”
Carleton grants numerous honorary degrees every year. Arias will join a long list of honorary doctorate recipients, which includes Canada’s Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin. Arias is scheduled to receive the degree Sept. 12 in a ceremony at Fenn Lounge.
