A Lima constitutional court has issued a historic first-instance judgment ordering the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) to offer a permanent vegan meal option in its university dining hall.
The case was brought by Derecho Animal in Peru on behalf of students who said the absence of a vegan option effectively excluded them from the dining service because of their ethical vegan convictions. The court found that the university’s failure to address their request violated fundamental rights, including equality, non-discrimination, freedom of conscience and the free development of personality.
The judgment recognises the importance of respecting student diversity and allowing all students to access university services on equal terms. It explains that this should be done for vegans by assessing student demand and planning nutritionally adequate vegan meals in a sustainable way, while avoiding wasting public resources.
Because this is a first-instance judgment, the decision can be appealed to a higher court, and it has been confirmed that UNMSM has filed an appeal. However, the precedent is important for ensuring that the human right to freedom of conscience protects all vegans in Peru and guarantees their access to healthy vegan dietary choices in settings such as schools, hospitals, workplaces, military service, and prisons.
Dr Jeanette Rowley, who assisted the court with an analysis of the human rights issues on behalf of The Vegan Society, said “This first-instance judgment is an important reminder that the law provides a framework for treating people fairly, including those whose ethical convictions place them in a minority. Public institutions, including universities, should serve diverse communities in ways that are fair, practical, and respectful of fundamental rights.”
