The Student Federation Council (FEU) at the University of Holguín has called on students to "seek solutions" amid mounting discontent over the commercial measures enforced by Cuba's Telecommunications Company (ETECSA). In a statement released on social media this past Saturday, the Holguín FEU expressed willingness to engage in "dialogue and joint decision-making," while denouncing what they perceive as "misrepresentation" and "incitement to hatred" in response to the public criticisms from students and faculty against university leaders aligned with the regime.
Aiming to undermine the legitimacy of public protests by students and professors, the statement criticized a "destabilization of the educational process" and emphasized the FEU leaders' role in conveying opinions to "legitimate structures." Additionally, the council encouraged thinking about actions that can contribute to resolving the situation, benefiting not only students but also the broader community.
The statement coincided with a communiqué from the Law faculty at the University of Holguín, publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the new rates imposed by ETECSA. Faculty members condemned the price hikes and criticized the university leaders' responses to student concerns, demanding the reversal of ETECSA's measures, noting that the decision was not solely that of the company.
Echoing the sentiment of the University of Holguín, the Student Federation Council at the University of Camagüey also urged students to remain calm and suggested finding solutions to the price increases. The FEU leaders reassured students that "as their democratically elected representatives, we are conveying opinions and concerns at all levels," emphasizing that "each student is represented at every level."
Here is the official statement from the FEU:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE STUDENT FEDERATION COUNCIL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOLGUÍN
In response to the measures implemented by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba S.A (ETECSA) on May 30, 2025, the Student Federation Council of the University of Holguín, after holding three meetings with the top authorities of the company in the region and among the students of our institution, has decided to advocate for the duties and rights of the university community.
In these discussions, the numerous issues arising from the implementation of these measures and the ambiguity in their communication, response, and error correction processes have been acknowledged. We reiterate and strengthen our stance on dialogue and joint decision-making, in line with our commitment to addressing opinions and promoting their transmission to legitimate structures.
We will not tolerate the misrepresentation of these spaces and the incitement to hatred and destabilization of the educational process. We invite everyone to consider actions that can help resolve this situation, not only for the students but also for the entire community.
HOLGUÍN, JUNE 7, 2025
STUDENT FEDERATION COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HOLGUÍN
FAQs on University of Holguín's Response to ETECSA Measures
What prompted the University of Holguín's Student Federation to issue a statement?
The statement was issued in response to growing discontent among students regarding the commercial measures imposed by ETECSA, prompting the FEU to call for dialogue and solutions.
How did the faculty at the University of Holguín react to ETECSA's new rates?
Faculty members publicly expressed discontent with the new rates and criticized the responses of university leaders, demanding the reversal of ETECSA's measures.
What stance did the University of Camagüey's FEU take in response to the situation?
The FEU at the University of Camagüey also urged students to remain calm and encouraged finding solutions to the price increases imposed by ETECSA.