THE alumni of the state-run Leyte Normal University (LNU) in Tacloban City lauded the university’s standard of discipline despite the online backlash over a dress code poster that inadvertently included the images of two celebrity bloggers recently.
“It must be clear that the intention of the university is to instill discipline based on ‘the culture’ of the university and not to destroy personalities. But, I know that in spite of the bashes that the university received, my Alma Mater will never lower her standard for these bashes,” said 24-year-old alumnus Louienel Urmeneta.
Urmeneta said he is thankful for the LNU’s way of discipline, saying it “impacted me in a good way.”
“I am confident that this attack will not win against her,” said Urmeneta, who is now a public high school teacher.
Marnie Liezeth Closa, another alumna, defended LNU’s dress code, saying “allowing or prohibiting these styles and outfits inside the campus is up to the university.”
“LNU is thoroughly part of my history, and I couldn't deny that. I was taught by very good teachers of which I have too many to name, and I am eternally grateful,” added Michael Carlo Villas, an associate professor, poet, and author.
Villas added that “a good institution need not be defended because it is able to defend itself.”
“Such posturing indicates insecurity and serves as grounds for the university to review its policies and practices,” said Villas, who is now teaching in another university in Leyte.
“Unfortunately, some took it as an opportunity and scapegoat to bash and diverted it to a more critical and sensitive issue which is ‘discrimination’ or ‘oppression’ to students and their freedom,” said Ariel Amante, another alumnus of the university who now teaches in Basey, Samar.
Earlier, fashion bloggers Bretman Rock and Manuel Gutierrez, also known as Manny MUA, reacted to the poster that carried their photos as examples of "improper grooming for men" inside the university.
The poster indicated that having beard and wearing earrings, makeup, and feminine attire are "improper grooming for men."
The University’s Office of Students Affairs (OSA), however, issued an apology to the two celebrities.
While the LNU was "saddened" over the incident, it maintained that it "was done without malicious intention of maligning" the personalities who were included in the poster.
First established as Leyte Provincial Normal School in 1921, LNU has been known as “Center of Excellence for Teacher Education” in Eastern Visayas. (SunStar Philippines)