Jorge Campos (Vox) generates controversy by questioning a UIB student for wearing a hijab

PalmaThe Vox deputy in Congress Jorge Campos has generated a strong controversy after publishing a message on social networks questioning that a student with a hijab was one of those in charge of speaking during the graduation ceremony of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB).

The protagonist of Campos's message is Khaoula Ikkene, a graduate in Computer Engineering, who spoke alongside Carlos Alejandro Araque representing the 1,375 students who have completed their undergraduate studies at the University of the Balearic Islands this year. The official documentation from the UIB makes no reference to her religion or origin, only to her participation as a student representative during the ceremony.

"1,375 UIB students have graduated. And the Catalanist public university of the Balearic Islands has chosen this student representative to address them a few words...", writes Campos in a Facebook post, accompanied by an image of the young woman.

The publication has provoked numerous critical reactions on social media. Several users have reproached the deputy for focusing on the student's appearance and clothing, instead of their academic merits.

Others have also come out in defense of the young woman. One of the most shared comments highlights that she is a computer engineer, that she speaks five languages, that she has certifications in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and that she currently works at Sampol, claiming that "talent has no nationality or lineage".

The UIB held the graduation ceremony for its degree studies this Friday, with nearly 1,375 students participating. During the ceremony, various students spoke in representation of the graduates before the diploma awards.

The University has not commented, for the moment, on the controversy generated by the publication of the Vox deputy.

The UIB responds to Jorge Campos: "we reject hate speech"

The University of the Balearic Islands has issued a statement one day after the controversial publication by Jorge Campos, in which they assure that they "reject any manifestation that questions the dignity and equality of people". Furthermore, they add that they consider "incompatible" with the values that inspire the institution "hate speech that questions the legitimacy and representativeness of members of the university community based on their origin, beliefs, and any other personal circumstance".

However, they emphasize that students who participate in graduation ceremonies do so on behalf of an entire graduating class. "Their participation symbolizes a generation that has shared the same training path and the same academic effort," they highlighted in the statement.

Furthermore, after the accusations by the Vox deputy, they emphasize that as a public university "at the service of the society of the Balearic Islands," the UIB carries out its activity "in accordance with values that guide all its institutional action." Among these, they explain, are social commitment, the defense of critical thinking, equal opportunities, cooperation, solidarity, and respect for plurality. "The University understands the diversity of people, languages, origins, sensitivities, and convictions as a good that enriches the institution and strengthens coexistence," they stated.