The Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Havana (UH) firmly expressed its opposition this Thursday to the recent changes by the state ETECSA in light of the growing university protests against the hike in telecommunications service fees, and announced that, if the situation is not resolved before the end of the semester, they will exhaust in a “progressive and active” manner all resources at their disposal to demand real change.
In a statement released on Instagram and supported by the University Student Federation (FEU) and the Union of Young Communists (UJC) of the faculty, the signatories expressed their solidarity with the students of Mathematics and Computer Science (MATCOM), who have spearheaded the so-called "teaching strike" in protest of the high prices of mobile data packages, which are essential for academic life.
"We consider your stance legitimate and oppose any distortion of its essence by internal or external sources," the text states.
Rejection of institutional wear and tear
Although the students acknowledge the willingness to engage in dialogue demonstrated by the University, they warn that they will not accept attrition as an institutional strategy to avoid a concrete solution to their demands. They assert that their demands are profoundly "revolutionary" and seek social justice, and therefore must be resolved swiftly and without reprisals.
"We hope it is understood that every inefficient or wasted space further undermines our social justice project more than any legitimate student action," the statement emphasizes.
In this regard, they urge the authorities not to delegitimize the protest by alluding to supposed external manipulations.
Context: growing youth discontent
This statement adds to an unusual climate of unrest in Cuban universities, where ETECSA's price hike has sparked a wave of opposition among young people, who see how access to the Internet—an essential tool for studying, working, and communicating—becomes increasingly unattainable.
From exile, several artists and intellectuals, such as Haydée Milanés, have also expressed their support for the students, while within the university classrooms, institutional silence begins to be broken with statements like that of this faculty, which questions the official narrative of unity and acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protest and ETECSA Fees in Cuba
Why does the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Havana reject ETECSA's offer?
The Faculty of Chemistry rejects ETECSA's offer due to the increase in telecommunications service rates, which they consider unfair and unacceptable. These rates directly affect students, limiting their necessary access to the internet for academic purposes. Furthermore, the faculty, along with other student organizations, has expressed its solidarity with the "teacher strike" led by students of Mathematics and Computing in protest against the high prices of mobile data packages.
What measures have the students of the University of Havana taken against ETECSA's rates?
Students from various faculties, including Mathematics and Computer Science, have called for an academic strike as a form of protest. This strike aims to demand the repeal of the new ETECSA rates, which they consider exclusionary and harmful to access to education and knowledge. The students have expressed their desire to continue the strike until concrete solutions are offered that meet their needs.
What is the University of Havana's stance on the student strike?
The University of Havana has officially denied that there is an ongoing student strike, asserting that academic activities are proceeding normally. However, several students have reported partial absences in some faculties. The university has expressed its intention to maintain the stability of the academic year, aligning with the policies of the Communist Party of Cuba.
What changes in ETECSA's rates have caused student discontent?
ETECSA has imposed a limit of 360 CUP for monthly top-ups and a partial dollarization of its services, which makes it difficult for most students, who do not receive income in dollars, to access mobile data. Additionally, any extra data consumption is offered at prices that are out of reach for many, leading to widespread discontent among students and the university community in general.
What demands have the students made to ETECSA and the Cuban government?
Students have demanded the complete repeal of the tariff measures imposed by ETECSA or, at the very least, the elimination of the 360 CUP limit on monthly top-ups. Moreover, they are calling for a genuine and transparent dialogue with the authorities to seek real solutions that benefit not just the university sector, but the entire Cuban population. They also request active participation from universities in decisions that affect their operations.
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