The York University Tamil Students’ Association (YUTSA) has passed a motion to use the Tamil Eelam flag to represent the organization in the future and during the university’s Multicultural Week.

Despite the flag’s close affiliation with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), YUTSA, as well as representatives of the York administration, have ruled against the notion that it is associated with the nationally recognized terrorist group. Marty Williams, assistant director for the Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development (SC&LD), admitted the school sought legal counsel.

“We have checked with our legal advisors and security services and found that the flag is not illegal to fly." Williams insisted the distinction between the LTTE flag and the one used by YUTSA is the inclusion of the letters “LTTE,” which are not present on the group’s Tamil Eelam flag. “The flag does not have the LTTE initials on it. They have firmly asserted that they fly the flag to represent the Tamil people,” Williams said in an email.

“The Tamil students at York University will use the flag of Tamil Eelam to represent the organization. This in turn will represent all the Tamil people who join the Tamil students at York University,” stated the YUTSA club minutes regarding the motion.

York University is located in Toronto, Canada.

Source:Excalibur
Date: February 6th 2008