100 PROMINENT CUBAN AMERICAN INTELLECTUALS FORM NATIONAL NETWORK TO DENOUNCE U.S. POLICY TOWARD CUBA
MIAMI, April 26, 2006 More than 100 Cuban American scholars and writers, residing throughout the U.S., have united to form the Emergency Network of Cuban American Scholars and Artists for Change in U.S.-Cuba Policy (ENCASA/US-CUBA), with the aim of reversing a failed and morally bankrupt U.S. policy toward Cuba. The network is issuing a declaration that will be published on Thursday, April 27, as a full-page ad in The Miami Herald, along with the list of names and affiliations of the signatories. The publication of the statement and signatures will be followed in Miami by a press conference to be held at noon, Thursday April 27, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. ENCASA/US-CUBA is a true nationwide effort. Cuban American members of the network reside in 26 states and 60 different cities. More than 80 percent are affiliated with universities, and over 60 different universities are represented among the signatories, including some of the nation's leading institutions. More than a third of those on the list are full Professors. Other members include artists, writers, curators, playwrights, poets, novelists, attorneys, and editors. Despite the notable presence of Cuban Americans in the nation's universities, cultural institutions, and creative endeavors, never before has the community of scholars and artists mobilized itself in a concerted fashion to speak out against the direction of U.S.-Cuba policy and in favor of a policy consistent with U.S. principles and ideals. The group asserts that U.S. policy toward Cuba has been "a political and moral failure for almost half a century." "We are determined," the statement reads, "that no longer will others in our community speak for us as they continue to insist on taking this country down a misguided path that has served neither the best interests of the United States nor those of the Cuban people." Of special concern to ENCASA/US-CUBA are the anti-family measures spawned by the 2004 Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, its provisions undermining the free exchange of ideas, and restrictions on travel by U.S. citizens. ENCASA/U.S.-CUBA PRESS CONFERENCE Date: Thursday, April 27th Time: 12:00 noon Place: The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, IN THE MARBELLA ROOM, LOCATED OFF THE MAIN LOBBY OF THE HOTEL
