Lettera all'Ambasciatore italiano in Canada - 16 Maggio 1994
Lettera al Ministro dell'Universita' e Ricerca Scientifica - 21 Dicembre 1993
Lettera al Ministro dell'Universita' e Ricerca Scientifica - 2 Marzo 1994
Lettera al Ministro dell'Universita' e Ricerca Scientifica - 7 Febbraio 1995
Lettera all'Ambasciatore italiano in Canada - 10 Febbraio 1995
Lettera del Rettore dell'Universita' di Calgary all'ambasciatore italiano in Canada
Lettera all'Ambasciatore italiano in Canada - 29 Giugno 1995
Lettera all'Ambasciatore italiano in Canada - 18 Luglio 1995
DOUBLE REGISTERED MAIL 1993-11-04 The Honorable Mr. Alessandro Fontana (Ministry of Universities and Scientific Research) Lungo Tevere,Thaon Di Revel 76 Rome, 00153, Italy Dear Mr. Fontana: This is to advise you that we have proceeded to contact national and international associations about your Ministry's failure to pursue Mr. David Aliaga's grievance, and about the serious doubts which this raises about the credibility of the Italian Dottorato di Ricerca. Since your Ministry was unwilling to respond to our letter of April 26, 1993, we feel we have no choice but to ask professional associations and societies of Anthropology to review the ethics of the case. We will also be making our letters and documents available to the international press. Since you may not have seen earlier correspondence regarding this case, we are enclosing a copy of our letter of April 1993. The other supporting documentation which we forwarded earlier should be on file in the Dipartimento Istruzione Universitaria. Sincerely, James S. Frideres Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Social Sciences University of Calgary Alberta,Canada copy. Mr. de Montigny Marchand, Ambassador, Canadian Embassy via G. B. de Rossi, 27, 00161 Romc, Italy
1994-05-16 REGISTERED MAIL His Excellency Mr. Sergio S. Balanzino Italian Ambassador, Italian Embassy 275 Slater Street, 21 Floor Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 Dear Mr. Balanzino: We are writing you to ask if you would please contact the Italian Minister of Universities and Scientific Research and advise him that unless we obtain an answer to our previous letters we will make our letters and documents available to the press in Canada and abroad. We have tried, so far unsuccessfully, to settle this matter, but unfortunately we have not obtained a response from the Minister about the treatment of Mr. David Aliaga Rossel, which we have fully documented to be unethical and unfair (see attached documentation). We are aware of the immense political changes occurring in Italy and we believe this, could be part of the reason why we have not received a response to our letters. In the interest of maintaining high standards in the international scholarly community of which Italy has always been a major contributor, we respectfully ask you Mr. Ambassador to relay to the Italian Minister of Universities and Scientific Research how serious we think this case is in our academic cornmunity in Canada (see attached letters from CASCA and CAA). Sincerely yours, James S. Frideres Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Social Sciences University of Calgary Alberta,Canada April 26,1993
To: Il Dirigente Generale Dipartimento Istruzione Universitaria Dottorato di Ricerca Ministero dell'Universita e della Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica We, the undersigned, feel that Mr. Aliaga has a legitimate grievance against the Italian Ministry of Universities, that he has been treated unethically and unfairly from the time of his first admission to and enrollment in the graduate program at the University of Calabria, and that the Ministry has not yet INVESTIGATED the fundamental issues of Mr. Aliaga's grievance. Furthermore, we feel that the Ministry's failure to pursue Mr. Aliaga's grievance vigorously and the absence of an APPEAL PROCEDURE undermines the integrity of their programme of Dottorato di Ricerca. We are considering bringing Mr. Aliaga's case to the attention of the ethics committees of the Canadian Anthropological Society and the American Anthropological Association. The issues which we think need to be investigated further and evaluated fairly are the following: 1. Mr. Aliaga applied to and enrolled in the "corso de Dottorato di Ricerca" with the understanding that he would receive funding for the full 3 years of the programme. Mr. Aliaga was assured (verbally) he would receive such funding by Dott. Magno Clarizia, IL CAPO DIV. AFF. GEN. of the University of Calabna. Dott. Clarizia was apparently misinformed, and after he was admitted to the programme, Mr. Aliaga discovered that the Italian Embassy in Ottawa was responsible for granting such funding. Only after persistent appeals from Mr. Aliaga, during the first two years of his study, did the embassy award him a grant and for only 8 months of the promised 3 years of funding. Since doctoral students are not permitted to work in Italy, this meant that throughout his graduate studies and field research Mr. Aliaga and his family were forced to live under conditions of abject poverty, that he was forced to leave Italy before he could finish wnting his thesis, and that he was forced to apply for an extension on the date of his esame per il conferimento del titolo di Dottore di Ricerca. The fact that Mr. Aliaga under such difficult and stressful circumstances completed and submitted his Relazione Finale within less than a year of the original examination date is an indication of his deep commitment and desire to complete the programme of study honorably. An extension granted by the Ministry should have been automatic, given the circumstance, and should not be represented as a special concession to Mr. Aliaga. (See documents labeled #1. Note, all letters from Mr. Aliaga were double registered to confirm receipt.) 2. We believe that the guidance and supervision which Mr. Aliaga received during the course of his studies and field research at the University of Calabria was inadequate and unsatisfactory to say the least. He was only rarely allowed to meet with his supervisor or supervisory committee. For much of the guidance and training for his field research he was forced to turn to visiting foreign scholars who were carrying out their own research in the region. Library resources were also far below an adequate standard, and Mr. Aliaga again had to rely on the generosity of foreign scholars to obtain current literature. Despite the odds against him, Mr. Aliaga completed the course of study and his research and again demonstrated a remarkable determination to complete the degree honorably. In retrospect, however, it would seem that his supervisors were neglectful of their responsibility to provide training and guidance, and considering the brief attention they were willing to give to Mr. Aliaga's progress, it's doubtful that they thoroughly evaluated the results of his work. Throughout the course of his studies Mr. Aliaga was informed through official documents that his progress was satisfactory and that he was completing his work with proficiency. (See documents labded #2) 3. There were several irregularities surrounding the final examination of the Relazione Finale which reflect mismanagement on the part of the Ministry. First, neither Mr. Aliaga nor the members of the first commission were informed that a new examination commission had been formed until 4 weeks before the examination date. And since addresses of the new commission members were not provided, it was nearly impossible for Mr. Aliaga to get the thesis to the commission in sufficient time for them to review it. Second, Mr. Aliaga was given less than 3 weeks advance notice of the examination date despite the fact that he had requested, in writing, at least 45 days notice in order to be able to make travel arrangernents from Canada Third, Mr. Aliaga and 3 other candidates arrived at the Ministry in Rome on the appointed date for the examiination, 9 A.M., July 25, l99l, and after waiting until noon, they were told that the commission was not coming for the examination. Rathcr than taking responsibility, the Ministry encouraged Mr. Aliaga and the other candidates to press charges against the commission, an absurd request which the students declined. Mr. Aliaga was informed by the Minisay that he would have to returrn in November, which because of the great cost of travel from Canada wa not a viable option for him. He was forced, then, on his own to contact members of the commission and ask them to convene for an examination, which they did then, under protest, on August 7, 1991. Fourth, it was evident to Mr. Aliaga that two members of the commission had not received or read the final version of his Relazione before the examination. Once again, then, it seems that Mr. Aliaga has acted honoraably and responsibly and the Ministry has not. (See documents labeled #3) 4. The negative evaluation of Mr. Aliaga's Relazione Finale by the examining commission appointed by the Ministry contradicts the positive evaluation of Professor Lombardi-Satriani and the examining committee at the University of Calabria, and of very positive reviews by Professor Tullio Tentori, chairman of the previous commission and Dr. Gianfausto Rosoli, direttore di Studi EmigTazione. (see copies of letters attached) It would seem that either the evaluation of the commission is in error or that there are profound problems with the standards of evaluation in Italian Academia. (See documents labeled #4) We ask that the Ministry of Universities and Scientific Research review Mr. Aliaga's grievance more thoroughly than it has thus far, paying particular attention to the issues we have raised. Mr. Aliaga's experience raises serious doubts about the very credibility of the Italian Dottorato di Ricerca. We urge the Ministry to establish appeal procedures, for without an appeal process the program from the University level on up has no accountability. With respect to Mr. Aliaga we think a fair and honorable outcome would be to allow him a minimurn of a year with funding to rewrite his thesis under the supervision of a new and responsble professor who is an expert in the field of return migration. Letter signed by the following professors at the University of Calgary, Canada: J. Scott Raymond, Ph.D. Associated Prof. Archaeology Head of Department Merlin Brinkerhoff, Ph.D Professor of Sociology Head of Archaeology Director, Div. Int. Dev. Michael Gardiner Ph.D Professor of Sociology Jean-Guy Goulet, Ph.D. Assoc. Prof. Anthropology James S. Friders Ph.D. Professor Anthropology/Sociology Associated Dean (Research) Faculty of Social Sciences Pamela M. McCallum, Ph.D. Professor of English Doyle G. Hatt, Ph.D. Associated Prof. Anthropology Associated Dean Graduate Studies Faculty of Graduate Studies Pamela Asquith, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Anthropology Usher Fleising, Ph.D. Associate Professor Head of Anthropology
1993-12-21 Mr. Allessandro Fontana Minister of Universities & Scientific Investigation Lungo Tevere, Thaon De Revel 76 Roma 00153 Italy Dear Minister Fontana: The case of Mr. David Aliaga has been brought to my attention by Dr. Jean-Guy Goulet, who is a member of thee Executive Board of our learned society as well as Head of the Department of AnthropoIogy at the University of Calgary. I would like to join him and his colIeagues, Dr. J. Frideres, Associate Dean (Research), and Dr. J.S. Raymond, Head Department of ArchaeoIogy, in registering concern over the apparent Iack of due process and equitabIe treatment for Mr. Aliaga A review of the materiaIs sent to me regarding this matter indicates that serious ethical issues are invoIved in the handIing of Mr. Aliaga's case. From the beginning, when he was promised three years' of funding but received only eight months' support, he seems to have been treated unfairly. He was not notified at the University of Calgary, as he had requested, of his pending examination in November 1990, nor was he given adequate notice of the re- scheduled examination in July 1991. NevertheIess, he managed to appear for this examinafion in Rome, but his commitee did not, an then subsequently failed him, despite the positive reccommendation of his earlier commitee that he be awarded the title Dottore di Ricerca. I understand that there is no procedure or precedence for appealing this decision. Without an open appeal procedure, the rights of students to fair treatment are abrogated, which would not be acceptable in this country. Moreover, the quaIity of the entire programme of Dottorato di Riccrca is called into question as no procedure exist for independently assessing the vaIue of work compIeted whithin it. I am writing to express my concern about this matter, not only in the interest of justice for Mr. Aliaga, but more generally in the interests of international scholarship. It would be a shame if Canadian scholars were to hesitate to recommend graduate study in Italy to their students, or if we were reluctant to accept Italian doctorates here because of the impossibility of evaluating their worth. Failure to resolve the Aliaga case leaves grave doubts in the international scholarly community about the Dottorato di Ricerca programme, doubts I trust you will want to put to rest at your earliest possible convenience. Sincerely yours, Margaret C. Rodman President, Canadian Anthropology Society & Professor, Anthropology Department, York University
1994-03-02 Mr. Allessandro Fontana Minister of Universities and Scientific Investigation Lungo Tevere,Thaon de Revel 76 Roma 00153 Italy Dear Minister Fontana: Three eminent scholars at the University of Calgary (Drs. Scott Raymond, Jean Guy Goulet. and James Frideres) have brought to the attention of the Executive Council of the Canadian Archaeological Association the case of Mr. David Aliaga Rossel. We wish to join those scholars, as well as the President of the Canadian Anthropological Society (CASCA), in urging you to implement an appeal and review procedure. Such a procedure would be a fair and reasonable step to take in the David Aliaga Rossel case. We further suggest that such an appeal procedure should be mandatory in any educational system that is to have the trust and approval of the international community. The documentation about the David Aliaga Rossel case provided to our Executive Council suggests that the failure of the Ministry to award the graduate degree is only the last in a long series of irregularities, each of which appears to have been extremely unfortunate and to have had unfortunate consequences for ehe student. The letters from Professor A. Buttitta of the University of Calabria, and Professor Luigi M. Lombardi Satriani of the University of Rome, are strong support for the quality of the research undertaken by Mr. Aliaga, and indicate in a forceful manner that he should be awarded the degree in question. Wc respectfully request that you review this case; when this is done, we are confident that the situation can be resolved by award Mr. Aliaga the Dottorato di Ricerca. Yours sincerely, Jane H. Kelley President Canadian Archaeological Association Dear Colleagues and Friends: If after you have read the letters (below) you want to express your solidarity with this case, please feel free to write the concerned authorities and send us a copy of your letter. Also, if you need more information and you have no followed this case please send an e-mail and we will send you previous postings. Thank you for your interest in this case David.
1995-02-07 Professor Giorgio Salvini Minister of Universities and Scientific Research Lungo Tevere, Thaon di revel 76 Roma, 00153, Italy Dear Honorable Minister Salvini: Again we write to support the implementation of an appeal procedure for the process of granting degrees. In particular, we join the many other scholars who are concerned about the injustices done to David E. Aliaga as he prepared for his Dottorato di Ricerca at the University of Calabria. We hope that you will consider implementing an open appeals process so that all students who decide to study in Italy can be confident that they will be treated fairly. Despite the urging of such institutions as the Canadian Anthropological Society (CASCA), the Canadian Archaeological Association, and the American Anthropological Association, apparently the Ministry has not changed its policy regarding appeals. Mr. Aliaga's case alone should prove that there is a need for such a process. Mr. Aliaga has been attempting to resolve the injustices done to him since 1991. He has had the support of eminent scholars, reputable departments, and influential institutions. yet his case remain unresolved because of the Ministry's lack of an open appeal process. The lack of such a review process at the university level is suspect; it naturally casts doubt on the quality of the university program when the system will not allow grievances to be heard. I urge you to reconsider the need for the open appeals process whithin your university system. Only with such a process can the case of Mr. David Aliaga be Justly resolved. Sincerely, James L. Peacock President American Anthropological Association cc: Dr. James Frideres, Associate Dean (Research), University of Calgary. 4350 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 60, Arlington, Va 22203- 1621.
1995-02-10 His Excellency Mr. Andrea Negrotto Cambiaso Ambassador, Ambasciata D'Italia 21 Floor, 275 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 Your Excellency Negrotto Cambiaso: Thank you for the letter of November 8, 1994, from Mr. Adriano Benedetti, your Minister Counsellor, and thank you for forwarding the documentation detailing Mr. David Aliaga's case to the Italian authorities in Rome. The letter from the Ministry of Universities and Scientific and Technological research has not responded to the issues we raised either concerning Mr. Aliaga's case nor the broader concerns about the integrity of graduate education in Italy. Since we believe that Mr. Aliaga's case raises serious doubts about the standards of evaluation in Italian gradute education, at least in Ethno-Anthropology, we ask you to request the Ministry to review our concerns and the documentation we submitted more throughly. We have received numerous letters from academics who are supporting Mr. Aliaga's claim, and their testimonials suggest that there are fundamental problems in the process. I would be prepared to send you these comments if you felt they could bring about a resolution to the problem. I might add that the scholars who have written on behalf of Mr. Aliaga are both from Italy and North America. All point to a process which requires addressing. In addition, The American Anthropological Association of the United States and the Canadian Anthropological and Archaeological Associations are in support of dealing with the injustices done to Mr. Aliaga. Until this matter is resolved and until a formal appeal procedure has been established, we regret that we will have to discourage students from pursuing their educationals careers in Italy. Furthermore, we will pursue whatever avenues are available to us through government agencies, news media, and academic societies to ensure that students not pursue their post econdary education in Italy. Thank you once agin for your willinness to assist us in communicating with the Ministry. Cordially yours, James Frideres Associated Dean (Research) Faculty of Social Sciences University of Calgary Alberta, Canada. Dear colleagues and friends: I just learned that the Italian ambassador in Canada Mr. Negrotto-Cambiasso has sent a letter of complaint to the President of our University Mr. Frazer. The object of the letter is to complain about the fact that I was trying to get the Minister of Universities in Rome to establish an appeal process and to do a serious review of my case. The honorable ambassador also seems to be bothered by my decision to let Canadian and other foreign students of the "incredible" difficulties at doing graduate work in Italy. I have also learned that our President Mr. Frazer in his reply to Mr. Negrotto-Cambiasso's letter has told him that the best course of action for the Ministry of Italian Universities is to do a serious review of the case and to establish a proper appeals procedure. It is a real shame that the Italian ambassador has tried to stop me from doing what in a "DEMOCRATIC" country is a must. In this case to ask for the "ACCOUNTABILITY" of Italian academics and burocrats who commit wrongdoings and answer to no one. When justice is denied and grievances cannot have a fair hearing for common/simple people like me the seeds are sow for the worst elements in society to do as they please. Accountability as any human being knows is the cornerstone of a healthy and democratic society. I will keep you posted on any new developments thanks for your solidarity David Dear Colleagues and Friends: Unfortunately, we have not yet obtain a reply to our letters sent to the honorable Minister of Italian Universities Giorgio Salvini or to Mr. Andrea Negrotto Cambiaso Italian Ambassador to Canada. Here you will find the latest letter sent to the Italian Ambassador to Canada. We urge the academic community to support our efforts to obtain redress to a wrong commited by Italian academics and ministerial burocracy. Thank You, David
House of Commons Canada Ottawa, March 15,1995 Professor Giorgio Salvini Minister of Universities and Scientific Investigation Lungo Tevere, Thaon di Revel 76 Roma 00153 Italy Dear Minister Salvini: I am writing on behalf of one of my constituents, David Aliaga, who studied for his Dottorato di Ricerca at the University of Calabria in Italy. You have received numerous other letters from Canadian professors registering their concern with the way Mr. Aliaga was treated by the authorities at this University, examples of which are outlined in the enclosed correspondence. After reading the documentation supporting Mr. Aliaga's case, I too am registering concern over his inequitable treatment by the University of Calabria. He wants to appeal the decision of the Ministry not to grant him his degree, but without an appeal process in place, he has nowhere to turn. I hope that the Ministry of Universities will review Mr. Aliaga's case, an institute a fair an proper appeal procedure for all future students. I would also respectfully request that you consider what might be done to redress Mr. Aliaga's situation, since without his Dottorato di Ricerca, Mr. Aliaga cannot secure full-time employment here in Canada. Yours sincerely, Diane Ablonczy, Member of Parliament (Canada) Calgary North Alberta, Canada Enclosures
1995-04-21 His Excellency Mr. Andrea Negrotto Cambiaso Ambassador Ambasciata D' Itaiia 21 Floor 275 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario KlP 5H9 Your Excellency: Thank you for your letter of March 16, 1995 bringing to my attention the case of Mr. David Aliaga and Dr. Frideres' involvement. I have reviewed the files and it appears that there was a serious lack of communication and some mis-communication on the part of the Italian university and ministry authorities throughout Mr. Aliaga's studies and subsequent attempts to have his case re-examined. It appears also, that there are, as Dr. Frideres states fundamental problems in the process when the examining commission fails to convene at the appointed time, especially in the case of a candidate travelling from Canada; when an obvious discrepancy occurs between the positive initial evaluations of Mr. Aliaga's Relazione Finale and the negative evaluation of the examining commission; when the candidate is denied a copy of the negative evaluation; and when there is no formal appeals procedure. Because of the difficulties experienced by Mr Aliaga it would be gratifying to know that the Ministry of Universities and Scientific and Technological Research was willing to look into his case and grant him the opportunity to re-write his thesis but a more important concern is the apparent reluctance of the Ministry to provide a formal appeals procedure which would have been able to deal with this matter without the involvement of the Canadian and Italian Embassies. I must agree with Dr. Frideres that until we can be assured that the process has been substantially improved and an appeals procedure put in place so that the difficulties experienced by Mr Aliaga cannot recur we would be remiss if we did not at least warn those contemplating graduate study in Italy of the potential difficulties. Yours sincerely, Murray Frazer President University of Calgary Alberta, Canada
1995-06-29 His Excellency Mr. Andrea Negrotto Cambiaso Ambassador Ambasciata D'Italia 21 Floor 275 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 Your excellency Negrotto Cambiaso: I regret that I have not received a reply from you to my letter of January 12,1995, regarding the case of Mr. David Aliaga. I urge you to raise this case again with the Minister of Universities and Scientific and Technological Research. As I stated in my letter of January 12, the Minister has not responded to the issues we raised either concerning Mr. Aliaga's case or the broather concerns about the integrity of graduate education in Italy. Since then, media reports, such as that appearing in the April 27, 1995, issue of Nature, suggest that Mr. Aliaga's case is the tip of the iceberg in a crisis of corruption which has tainted higher education in Italy. Mr. Aliaga has received many letters of support from others who have been the victims of injustice by the Italian university system. It is clear that there are problems of standards in Italian postgraduate institutions, and Mr. Aliaga may require additional training as he completes his dissertation. As noted before, we seek redress for Mr. Aliaga in the form of allowing him to continue his graduate work and the opportunity to resubmit his work with revisions. We feel this solution to the problem would be in the best interest of all parties, and does not compromise academic standards or the processes involved in Italian higher education. We have informed the Minister of Advanced Education in Alberta and the Federal Minister of Human Resources of Mr. Aliaga's experience in Italy, and we have asked them to forewarn other potential students. Until this matter is resolved, we will continue to pursue whatever avenues are available to discourage students from pursuing their educational careers in Italy. If the issue is not resolved, we shall move to making a complain before UNESCO's Committee on Conventions and Recommendations under that body's Resolution 104EX/3.3 procedure. We will also be submitting a statement to the international science magazine, Nature. Thank you for your willingness to assist us in communicating with the Ministry. Cordially yours, James S. Frideres Associated Dean (Research) Faculty of Social Sciences University of Calgary Calgary, Canada
July 18, 1995 Mr. Andrea Negrotto Cambiaso Ambassador Ambasciata D'Italia 21 Floor 275 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario KIP-5H9 Re: Mr. David Aliaga Your Excellency Negrotto Cambiaso, Recently, the case of Mr. David Aliaga has been brought to my attention. I would like to add my voice to that of his colleagues and friends, by expressing my profound concern over the lack of due process and unfair treatment to which he was exposed, during his period of study in Italy. It is my understanding that Mr. Aliaga was promised funding for three years, but only received an eight month grant. I believe that in order to maintain integrity in graduate studies that if funding is promised to a student, then every attempt to make that funding forthcoming should be made. This is especially important in the circumstances of a foreign student, who is unable to work in the host country and who must rely on such funding. Secondly, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Aliaga not being notified on time of the date of his final examination (Relazione Finale), and the committee members not showing up for there-scheduled examination date, are completely inequitable and unprofessional. I commend Mr. Aliaga's determination in contacting committee members himself and arranging the August 7 examination, however, I am distressed that the candidate was given insufficient notification of his examination and that no attempt was made to provide him with the addresses of his committee members so that he could send his final report to them. The fact that there appears to be no appeal procedure for this matter in the Italian University, causes me great alarm an is a situation that would not be tolerated at a Canadian university. And, finally, I would like to call into question the evaluation procedures of Italian Academia. Mr. Aliaga has a number of letters praising his excellent scholarship and research and yet his final examination committee gave it a negative evaluation. This lack of consistency is troubling, and is an issue that needs to be addressed before it harms other graduate students. These problems would seem to indicate to me that there are a number of serious issues that need to be resolved when a Canadian graduate student enrolls at an Italian university. I hope that Mr. Aliaga's case can be resolved as expeditiously as possible and I am gravely concerned that similar events do not occur to other Canadian graduate students who are studying in Italy. Yours sincerely, Mayja Embleton President, Graduate Students Association University of Calgary cc. Mr. David Aliaga Mr. Giorgio Salvini, MInister of Universities and Scientific Education Carole Noel, Chair, Canadian Graduate Council
OPEN LETTER TO MY ITALIAN ACADEMIC COLLEAGUES Esteemed Colleagues: The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the very serious academic problems I have experienced during my doctoral studies in Italy. I am a citizen of Canada who graduated from the University of Calgary in Alberta Canada in June of 1986. Soon after, I decided to continue my studies at the University of Calabria, becoming the first Canadian ever to have enrolled in a Dottorato di Ricerca program in Ethnoanthropology in Italy. My Italian-born wife, children and I struggled to overcome enourmous financial and emotional obstacles in order for me to complete my studies. I received only eight months of financial grants, despite the earlier promise of three years of assistance by Dott. Magno Clarizia, Il Capo Div. Aff. Gen of the University of Calabria. Furthermore, I received virtually no training, advice, or instructional support from my Italian academic supervisor Dott. Luigi Lombardi Satriani. Nevertheless, I was able to succesfully complete all the requirements for my Dottorato di Ricerca, which is equivalent to a Canadian PhD. My family and I had to leave Italy due to dire economic circumstances (fully attested by a letter from our embassy in Rome) following the completition of my studies. Before we left Italy I gave a letter to Dottssa. Scalera e Dott. Di Lisio of the Office of the Dottorato di Ricerca at The Ministry of Universities. In the letter I asked the ministry for an extension of a few months of the deadline for submitting my final report (Relazione Finale), this, due to all my difficulties in obtaining financial aid and our decision to leave Italy. I returned to Rome for an oral examination at the time and date designated by the Office of the Dottorato di Ricerca. The entire examination committee failed to appear on the scheduled date (July 25,1991). The oral examination was subsequentely rescheduled due to my insistence for August 7,1991. Immediately prior to my return to Italy I was notified via telegram from Dott. Di Lisio that the original members of my commission had been replaced. The new commitee members where not acquainted with my academic work and two of them did not receive my final report on time due to the fact that the Office of the Dottorato di Ricerca did not send me a notification in time or with the addresses of the new commission members. I remained optimistic about my ability to succesfully obtain my Doctoral degree in spite of the many bureaucratic frustrations and wrong doings, for I had received excellent evaluations of my academic work throughout my period of study at the University of Calabria. Also, I had received an excellent evaluation and praise of my final report by the President of the first commission and very well known international anthropologist Professor Tullio Tentori, who also happened to be the President of the Ethnoanthropological Association of Italy at the time. Unfortunatelly, I was later informed that I have been rejected as a candidate for the title Dottore di Ricerca on the basis of the oral examination. I was subsequently denied all rights to an appeal. To date I have not received any explanation of why the commitee rejected my work. The members of the commitee failed entirely to conduct an investigation or to explore the huge discrepancy which exists between my university of Calabria oustanding records, and their evaluation of the examination. I have made repeated attempts to correspond with the Ministry of Universities and Scientific and Technological Research, but my efforts to rectify the situation have been without result. The massive bureaucratic entanglements in Italy threathen to negate any possible resolution of my situation. My academic career is seriously jeopardized by my inability to appeal the decision. My requests for an academic inquiry into my case have been continually ignored by the honorable Minister of Universities Giorgio Salvini. Commitee members: Signorelli Amalia, Universita di Napoli, Castelli Gattinara Giancarlo, Universita di Chieti, e Atzeni Paola, Universita di Cagliari, refuse to accept any measure of accountability for the unethical an inhumane treatment to which I have been subjected. My attempts to negotiate the right to an academic appeal will only be succesfull if other concerned scholars join me in my efforts to challenge the decision taken by the Ministry of Universities. There is growing public awarness about my situation. I am fortunate in that many academic leaders, in Canada, USA, Italy, and Wales have written letters of support on my behalf to both the Italian Minister of Universities and to the Italian Ambassador to Canada. I have also received the support of many important organizations such as the Canadian Anthropology Association, The Canadian Archaeological Association, The American Anthropological Association and the Association of Graduate Students at the University of Calgary. Municipal, Provincial and Federal Politicians have also written to the officials involved. I am currently accessing the media in order to demand the attention of the Italian Minister and Italian academia about the unfairness of the situation. I am committed to the goal of initiating a change in the Italian Ministry's policy to deny access to an appeal process. While I have only great admiration and respect for the oustanding work of many Italian scholars and researchers, I find myself forced to challenge the Ministry of Universities because of their examination procedures, which without an appeal process are unaccountable and unjust. I hope to ensure that no other foreign student experiences the frustrations and disappointment inherent in such an unfortunate circumstance. I am convinced that I have the right to confront academic injustice, if only to set a precedent from which others stand to benefit. I am requesting your understanding as academic colleagues in my attempts to challenge the decisions taken by the Ministry, which denies the basic principle of any truly democratic process: accountability. I believe that together we may force the Italian Ministry of Universities to address my situation with more seriousness. I have documented all the particulars with regard to my case, and I have an extensive file of letters written by many supporters. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you whish to be of some assistance in my quest for a resolution of my situation. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Dott. David E. Aliaga