The University Student Federation (FEU) at Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas (UCLV) has released a statement emphasizing its main focus on "maintaining calm" on campus amidst rising discontent among students over increased rates imposed by the state telecommunications company, ETECSA. The federation's announcement follows a period of tension due to ETECSA's recent policy changes, which have sparked significant opposition among university students.
This issue gained wider public attention after Professor Alina Bárbara López shared a public declaration on social media, signed by UCLV students, describing what they see as institutional injustices. The FEU's statement, posted on Facebook, highlighted that within the current "complex national context," dialogues have been held with ETECSA representatives to gather "student concerns, suggestions, and opinions."
These discussions have involved youth leaders and students from various disciplines. "Our FEU Council has led all discussions, gathering grievances and proposals from the student body," they asserted. They also mentioned that the relevant authorities are currently evaluating these requests. The organization condemned what it termed as a "media barrage" on social networks against the university's institutional integrity and criticized "distortions of reality" aimed, in their view, at discrediting the FEU's stance. "Preserving tranquility will always be an unyielding duty," they declared.
This statement appears to be a response to Professor López’s declaration, which, signed by a group of students, paints a different picture. Dated June 10th and titled "Public Declaration from a Segment of the UCLV Student Community," it highlights "serious contradictions between proclaimed principles and the actions taken by authorities."
The accusations include institutional censorship in university media such as Radio UCLV and Criollito, complicity by the student representation, accusing the FEU president of not consulting students before supporting the rate increase, lack of transparency in dialogues with ETECSA, criminalization of peaceful protest with security agents present on campus, and institutional favoritism, accusing authorities of rewarding students who report dissident activities.
The students demand the immediate suspension of the new rates, removal of censorship, withdrawal of security forces from the campus, and the formation of an independent committee to investigate alleged abuses. The situation has sparked polarizing reactions on social media. Users like writer Víctor M. Dueñas have criticized the FEU: "The FEU stopped representing students decades ago and became a control arm of the Castro regime," he wrote.
Others question the legitimacy of the "nation project" promoted by institutions, seeing it as contradictory to university realities. What started as a protest against a state company's decisions has escalated into a national debate about representation, civil rights, and freedom of expression within university spaces.
Understanding the UCLV Student Protests and ETECSA's Impact
What triggered the student protests at UCLV?
The protests were triggered by a rate increase imposed by the state telecommunications company ETECSA, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among students.
What are the main demands of the UCLV students?
Students are demanding the suspension of the new rates, the elimination of censorship, the removal of security forces from campus, and the establishment of an independent committee to investigate alleged abuses.
How has the FEU responded to the protests?
The FEU has focused on maintaining calm and has initiated dialogues with ETECSA to address student concerns, although their response has been criticized for not adequately representing student interests.