************************************************************** IFCSS Headquarters News Release No. 5102 January 27, 1994 ************************************************************** Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars (IFCSS) 733 15th Street, N.W., Suite 440, Washington, D.C.20005 Tel. (202)347-0017 Fax: (202)347-0018 Email: ifcss@wam.umd.edu IFCSS Report on Hu Liqun's Case =============================== Since IFCSS HQ published the story of Hu Liqun, a student fighting against the discriminatory Converting Chart at the Ball State University (BSU), she has received many supports from the CSS community. Despite the IFCSS intervention and open letter campaign, the University has not changed its Converting Chart that discriminates against the Chinese students. Now the IFCSS Anti-discrimination Watch (chaired by Zhong Ling) has taken over the case, and with the help of Mr. Cai Rongwei, a long time legal counsellor of the IFCSS, Ms Hu Liqun has formally filed the appeal against the Converting Chart at the U.S. Education Ministry. Here is an update of the case. At the end of March, 1993, Ms. Hu got to know that her undergraduate GPA from Fudan University, 90.3 on 100 scale, was converted by the school's International Program to 2.8 on 4.0 scale. Ms. Hu went to Mr. Kirk Robey, who was in charge of grade conversion, and inquired about the conversion method. After seeing the Converting Chart, Hu told Robey that there were serious problems with this chart which make it inaccurate and unfair. Robey said that he HIMSELF created this chart based on statistical data, specifically, percentile. Upon Hu's request to see his data base, Robey replied, "Your question goes too far. I will not be going to change this chart today, tomorrow, or in your life time." Then Hu contacted university officials at every level, including the president, calling for an re-examination of the validity of the chart. Officials insisted that the chart has its base but provided nothing to support the claim. Next, the BSU authority rejected the petition of the Chinese Students Association (CSA) for re-examining the validity of the chart. As the campus newspaper published the event, many faculty and students openly expressed their support for Hu and her fellow Chinese students. Pressured by the public opinion, the School finally admitted that there is no database for its Conversion Chart, but still insisted on its validity. That is, an "A" grade in China is still worth a "C" grade at BSU. In August, Hu and his fellow students brought the case to the attention of the IFCSS. The IFCSS HQ reviewed the case and decided to throw its support for Hu and BSU Chinese Students Association. On August 26 and September 20, 1993, the IFCSS published Hu's story on its E-Mail network, and conducted an open letter campaign to back up Hu and CSA at Ball State. More than five hundred signatures were collected and sent in, and local newspapers carried the story and publish editorials to support the Chinese student. But nothing came out of it. While sending an official letter to the Education Ministry, the IFCSS began to look for solution through legal procedures. The HQ arranged to have Mr. Cai Rongwei, a lawyer, to assist Hu to initiate the legal procedure for appealing the discriminatory chart. In October 1993, the Education Ministry formally notified Hu that her case has been accepted and an investigation is to be started. Now Mr. Cai Rongwei and IFCSS Anti-Discrimination Watch are assisting Hu to prepare documents and evidence for the case, which is still pending in the Education Ministry. Hu's case has drawn wide attention in the CSS community. It indicates that more and more people in our community are determined to stand for their rights and against any form of discrimination. The IFCSS is your organization to serve your interest and fight for your rights. If you feel you are discriminated against or your rights have been violated, please let us know. Indeed, together and united, we can make a difference. To report cases, please contact: Ms. Ling ZHONG Chair of IFCSS Anti-Discrimination Watch 5200 Anthony Wayne Drive, #406 Detroit, MI 48202 Tel: (313)832-4306 ********************************************************************* * IFCSS Headquarters Office * *-------------------------------------------------------------------* * President: Lin Changsheng Vice President: Shi Heping * * Exec. Director: Liu Xiaozhu Chief of Staff: Huang Songyun * *-------------------------------------------------------------------* * PBS-L is IFCSS's news distribution list for individuals. 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