In April 2026, students from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) began striking to demand the resignation of President Zayira Jordán Conde. This unrest sprang from significant budget cuts in the government’s 2021 fiscal plan and dissatisfaction with several administrative measures. Protests erupted at UPR’s largest campuses—Río Piedras and Mayagüez.
The strike at Río Piedras lasted from April 27 to May 18, while the one at Mayagüez is ongoing. Students, faculty, and staff are united under the call for Jordán Conde to step down. Critics argue her appointment was more about politics than competence. She has promoted short-term courses, often overlooking research priorities. Many believe she disregards student voices by avoiding discussions on their grievances.
Protests escalated across the campuses. The Arecibo campus initiated a three-day strike starting April 22. Students from the Medical Sciences campus voted to strike for 48 hours on May 4 if their president didn’t resign by May 1, with a renewed vote for another 48 hours on May 7. The Humacao campus also voted for strikes, showing solidarity as students marched together, demanding reforms and action on financial issues.
Key issues included the recent dismissal of five campus chancellors and accusations against Jordán Conde of misrepresenting financial data and failing to involve university members in decision-making. Dyamar Cruz, president of the General Student Council at Río Piedras, has been vocal about these concerns, particularly since they impact budget planning during the semester.
The strike has seen wide support, including from the Asociación Puertorriqueña de Profesores Universitarios (APPU) and the Hermandad de Empleados Exentos no Docentes (HEEND), who back the students in their protests.
The backdrop to this crisis includes Puerto Rico’s financial struggles; in 2016, the PROMESA law was enacted, creating the Fiscal Oversight Board to manage the island’s debt. Since then, UPR faced severe funding cuts, with government support plummeting from over $879 million to below $400 million by 2022.
María del Mar Rosa-Rodríguez, president of APPU, pointed out that these challenges are deeply rooted in political interference, linking it to both major parties’ long-standing practices of appointing university leaders based on loyalty rather than academic merit.
The board has recently suggested tuition hikes and changes to employee pension plans, which could significantly affect the future of UPR staff and faculty.
In the latest developments, a deal was struck at the Río Piedras campus, allowing students to return to classes without facing disciplinary actions for participating in protests. However, the situation at Mayagüez continues to be tense. Administrators have tried to limit student assemblies, further irritating those involved in the protests.
The struggle at UPR is part of a larger trend of student activism seen globally, from South America to Europe and the United States, where students are pushing back against austerity measures and demanding more inclusive governance. Their fight reflects a growing call for autonomy and reform in educational institutions.
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear the conflict at UPR resonates beyond its campus—drawing attention to the need for solidarity among students and workers everywhere against similar pressures.
Source link
Protest,Puerto Rico
