Lima constitutional court issues historic first-instance judgment ordering leading Peruvian university to offer permanent vegan meal option.

The National University of San Marcos (Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos – UNMSM) has been ordered to provide a permanent vegan meal option in its university dining hall following legal proceedings brought by students.

The students, who were supported by animal welfare group, Derecho Animal en Peru, said the absence of a vegan option effectively excluded them from the university’s dining service because of their ethical vegan convictions.

The court found that the university’s failure to address the students’ dietary requests 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.

It has been confirmed that UNMSM has filed an appeal. However, the precedent is important because it ensures 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 establishments and prisons.

The Vegan Society’s Dr Jeanette Rowley, who leads the International Rights Network and assisted the court with an analysis of the human rights issues involved, 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.”