Protesters rally in front of UPR administrative offices for safety, freedom of expression

The demonstration arose after an incident on Wednesday in which a group of students attempted to interrupt a pro-life panel discussion and acted violently, even assaulting a guest panelist, organizers said.

By The Star Staff

Members of the university community, supported by student groups, civil society organizations, and representatives of the Dignity Project (Proyecto Dignidad) party, demonstrated Thursday at the University Plaza on the Río Piedras campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) to demand affirmative action that guarantees safety, freedom of expression, and adequate spaces for the debate of ideas.

The demonstration arose after an incident on Wednesday, when a group of students attempted to interrupt a pro-life panel discussion taking place on campus. According to organizers, the protesters used megaphones and acted violently, even assaulting a guest panelist. The event was completed thanks to the intervention of university security, but under a tense atmosphere.

“We reiterate our demand for a UPR for all, where respect and safety are not empty promises,” said Cristian García Rodríguez, one of the organizers. “The violence against the pro-life discussion and the inaction on inclusive restrooms demonstrate that authorities must act now.”

The protesters pointed out that the continued existence of inclusive restrooms poses a risk to students, especially women, and denounced what they describe as censorship of certain ideological sectors at the university. They demanded the immediate elimination of the inclusive restrooms and their replacement with separate facilities for men and women, based on “biological reality.”

In addition, they demanded that the UPR interim president, Dr. Miguel A. Muñoz, who during public hearings expressed support for legislative measures to eliminate inclusive restrooms, implement administrative actions without waiting for legislation.

The demands also include the investigation of complaints related to a lack of security in restrooms, the creation of policies that guarantee free expression for all sectors, and an institutional commitment to critical thinking and diversity of ideas.