Mexico's Fondo de Cultura Económica accused of pressuring employee to resign after homophobic incident

Víctor Santana Peraza, the deputy manager of Fondo Editorial Tierra Adentro, part of the Fondo de Cultura Económica (FCE), alleges he is being pressured to resign. This follows his report of homophobic comments made by a coworker. Santana claims that the director of FCE, Paco Ignacio Taibo II, has been negligent in handling the situation and has engaged in revictimization.

Santana was reportedly summoned to Human Resources on August 5 to sign a contract termination, citing "loss of trust" and his involvement in organizing a protest. The protest, held on July 3, was led by the LGBT collective Novísimxs outside the Rosario Castellanos bookstore. Taibo II has publicly criticized Santana and Novísimxs, using derogatory language and stating Santana is no longer with the FCE.

In an interview, Santana stated that this dismissal attempt is retaliation for defending his rights and denouncing workplace discrimination. He also clarified that Novísimxs denied any third-party interference in their protest. Santana has not signed any termination documents, calling the proposed terms "crazy" and asserting he has not been officially dismissed, though he continues to work.

Santana has filed new complaints with the FCE's Internal Control Body and the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (CONAPRED). He noted that CONAPRED had previously ruled that he could not be dismissed or subjected to such procedures, yet the FCE proceeded. Santana is also seeking a right of reply in media outlets where Taibo II made insulting remarks about him.

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Taibo II tiene derecho a decir lo que se le antoje, lo que no tiene derecho es a ofenderme en televisión nacional en un medio público, es ilegal.