In a significant move reflecting student sentiment and institutional values, Assumption has removed the portrait of Senator Loren Legarda from its “Wall of Empowered Women.” The decision follows a wave of protests and formal calls from students who argue that the Senator’s recent political trajectory is inconsistent with the principles taught by the institution.
- Senator Loren Legarda’s portrait was removed from the Assumption “Wall of Empowered Women.”
- The Assumption Student Council – College backed the call for removal.
- Students from both Assumption and the University of the Philippines (UP) urged Legarda to reflect on her original values.
- The controversy centers on whether the Senator’s current political actions align with the school’s upheld values.
The Removal of the Portrait
The “Wall of Empowered Women” serves as a tribute to alumnae who have achieved distinction and embodied the values of the institution. However, as reported by Inquirer.net, Senator Loren Legarda’s image was stripped from this honor wall following intense pressure from the student body.
The Assumption Student Council – College released a formal statement on Friday explicitly calling for the removal, asserting that the Senator’s current political actions “no longer reflect the values that Assumption upholds.”
Student-Led Demands for Accountability
The movement to remove the portrait was not limited to a few individuals but grew into a broader call for accountability. According to Rappler, students from both Assumption and the University of the Philippines (UP) joined forces to challenge the Senator’s legacy. They urged Legarda to reflect on the values she once stood for during her formative years.
The sentiment was echoed in reports by The Manila Times, which highlighted the plea for the Senator to “return to the women you were formed to be,” suggesting a perceived disconnect between her education and her current public service.
The Conflict: Institutional Values vs. Political Action
The core of the controversy lies in the definition of “empowerment” and the values the Assumption community expects its honored alumnae to maintain. The Assumption Student Council – College emphasized that the honor wall is not a permanent entitlement but a reflection of ongoing alignment with the school’s mission.
By removing the portrait, the institution has acknowledged the students’ concerns that the Senator’s recent political decisions contradict the ethical and social standards the school promotes to its students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Wall of Empowered Women? It is an honor wall at Assumption that features portraits of alumnae who have demonstrated leadership and success while embodying the school’s values.
- Who called for the removal of Senator Legarda’s portrait? The primary calls came from the Assumption Student Council – College, supported by students from Assumption and the University of the Philippines.
- Why was the portrait removed? Students argued that Senator Legarda’s recent political actions no longer align with the values upheld by Assumption.
As the institution moves forward, this event underscores a growing trend of students demanding that the figures they are taught to admire remain accountable to the values they claim to represent. Whether this leads to a broader dialogue between the Senator and her alma mater remains to be seen.