For his part, Francisco Burgoa, professor of Constitutional Law at UNAM, considered that given the “high level of coincidences between both texts” confirmed by UNAM, the minister should resign.
“(The minister) has been in the Trend in Mexico for two days and has accumulated more than 100,000 Tweets and it is no wonder: it is an important issue for the Nation, the SCJN, legality, justice, the fight against corruption, ethics , UNAM and lawyers. It has to be investigated and resolved,” wrote the lawyer, who trusted the investigation by university authorities.
UNAM is doing its part and confirms what we know: “…there is a high level of coincidence between the two texts.” The most dignified thing that Yasmín Esquivel could do is present his resignation for serious reasons in order not to affect the credibility of the SCJN. pic.twitter.com/ucZWiQXdne
— Francisco Burgoa (@FranciscoBurgoa)
December 24, 2022
For his part, law professor Jorge Lara stated that having been Esquivel Magistrate and President of the Court of Administrative Justice of Mexico City, the consequences would be catastrophic for all the litigation in which he intervened.
Meanwhile, Saúl Mercado, a lawyer for UNAM and a member of the Judiciary, affirmed that it is “a shame” for both institutions that people involved in a possible plagiarism of a thesis belong to them. “Corruption is unacceptable at any level and by anyone,” he said.
… And bar associations ask for resolution
Regarding the case of the minister Yasmín Esquivel, at least four bar associations asked the UNAM to investigate because if it were accredited “it constitutes a serious offense.”
“Fraud and academic dishonesty are unacceptable in someone who must, with his leadership and values, be an example for the rest of the union,” considered the National Council for Strategic Litigation on its Twitter account.
Honor and honesty are two values that a person holding public office must respect and promote to the fullest. Today, Minister Yasmín Esquivel, who aspires to preside over the @SCJN is accused of plagiarizing her undergraduate thesis. (Tweeted 1/2) pic.twitter.com/k6EYJk0U5c
– National Council for Strategic Litigation (@Consejo_Litigio)
December 23, 2022
Together, the General Council of Mexican Lawyers, made up of the Mexican Bar, the National Association of Business Lawyers and the Illustrious and National Bar Association, asked UNAM for an investigation to clarify the case.
“The conduct indicated in the note (from LatinUS) is serious, which is why a timely and expedited investigation is necessary, also taking into account that it is a priority to do so due to the electoral times that the SCJN is experiencing, since on the 2nd of January the election of the presidency of the highest court will be held.
The pronouncement of the General Council of the Mexican Bar on the information regarding the academic situation of Minister Yasmín Esquivel is shared. pic.twitter.com/RvXucrKeXS
— General Council of the Mexican Bar (@ConsAbogaciaMEX)
December 23, 2022
Meanwhile, on the platform change.org a request began to circulate to gather signatures with the petition for the UNAM to withdraw its title and for Esquivel to resign from his position.