Students block access to RUM despite court order.

The Barcelona gate at the  University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus on April 15

By THE STAR STAFF

University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Mayagüez Campus Interim Chancellor Miguel Muñoz Muñoz said Monday that protesters once again blocked access to the campus, following efforts to keep the gates open in accordance with court orders.

“During the efforts at the Physics gate, students confronted members of the University Police while they were attempting to comply with the court orders related to opening access to the campus,” Muñoz stated.

Campus staff attempted to facilitate access through the Physics gate as part of the campus reopening process.

Later, protesters moved to the Barcelona and Finca Alzamora gates, which were open, and closed them, Muñoz said.

The interim chancellor added that the protesters again blocked access to the campus, formed human chains, and lay down at the institution’s entrances.

The situation arose after a court order was complied with last week, and a gradual return to in-person activities began on May 13 at the campus commonly known by its acronym in Spanish, RUM.

“We reiterate our call for demonstrations to be conducted peacefully and without obstructing access to the campus for students, faculty, and staff,” Muñoz said.

The interim chancellor urged all sectors of the university community to act with prudence and respect to ensure safety and peaceful coexistence on campus.

He noted that the university will continue to promote spaces for dialogue and communication to address the issues raised by the university community.

Students at several campuses launched demonstrations to demand the resignation of UPR President Zayira Jordán Conde after she removed several chancellors. The protesters also said the president is doing little to defend the university from budget cuts and attempts to privatize it.