Necessary Legal update!
Beware!
As we all know,the University is a universal center of knowledge where students from diverse backgrounds come together to grow academically, intellectually, and in character. As Ethiopians, we come from different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and ideologies. Yet, we have always preserved our national unity through mutual respect for one anotherโs identity.
However, it has been observed that some students are displaying symbols and flags that go against the equality of Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples of Ethiopia. One such prohibited act is the display of the ancient/imperial Ethiopian flag (without the national emblem).
Displaying such symbols whether on netela (scarf), cape, hat, jelabia, t-shirts, bags, bracelets, necklaces, or any other items is strictly prohibited both in and outside the campus.
what does the law says about this?
According to Article 7, Sub-Article 4 of the Universityโs Higher Education Regulation:
โแแแฒแซแ แแแแญแต แซแแธแแ แ แแฃแณแตแฃ แ
แญแป แ
แญแพแฝแฃ แแฃแแฆแฝแฃ แจแฐแแซแฉ แฆแญแณแแฝแ แแ แแซแฃแแฝแ แแ แแ แจแฐแจแแจแ แแแขโ
โUsing clothes, shapes, ornaments, bags, or containers that carry politicalย messages is prohibited especially when it reflects inequalities of nations & nationalities โ
again According to Flag Proclamation No. 654/2009:
Article 23(1):
โIt is prohibited to commit any of the following:
1) to use the Flag without its Emblem as provided under this Proclamation;โ
แ แแแฝ 23(1):
โแจแแจแฐแแตแ แแจแแแ แจแฐแจแแจแ แแแก-
1) แ แแ
แ แแ
แแ แจแต แฅแแฐแฐแ แแฐแ แ แญแ แซแแ แฐแแฐแ
แแแ แณแญแ แแ แแ แแแคโ
Additionally, the Proclamation defines the official flag with the national emblem (blue circle with the star and rays) as the only recognized flag, symbolizing the equality of all Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples.
Consequences of violating this rule:
1. Risk to Personal Safety
Due to the highly sensitive nature of these symbols, displaying them on campus can expose the individual to serious personal danger, confrontation, or conflict with other students and the wider campus community which we do not want to see happen in our safe campus.
2. Legal Consequences under National Law
Violating Article 23(1) of Flag Proclamation No. 654/2009 shall be punishable with a fine of up to 5,000 ETB or rigorous imprisonment of up to 1 year and 6 months (Article 24(2)) saving another relevant law like anti terrorist and terrorism combat law.
3. University Disciplinary Measures
As per university regulations, offenders will face strong disciplinary actions, including fines, suspension, or academic dismissal.
Students are therefore strongly warned to stop this act immediately. do not consider these as simple because Using them on campus not only violates the law but also endangers the peaceful learning environment.
Let us all be wiseย enough to celebrate our diversity as strength and beauty, not as a source of division. Let us all uphold equality, respect the Constitution, and maintain a peaceful academic atmosphere.
Together for Unity! Together for a Safe and Peaceful Campus!
#UnityInDiversity
#RespectTheLaw
#CleanCampus
#HigherEducationRegulation
#JUPeaceForum
