UPR president: Judge reiterates that blocking access to RUM campus is illegal.

By THE STAR STAFF 

University of Puerto Rico (UPR) President Zayira Jordán Conde announced on Tuesday that the Mayagüez Court has reiterated that no group may impede access to the UPR-Mayagüez Campus (RUM by its acronym in Spanish).

“Yesterday, attorneys for the Mayagüez Campus and the Central Administration once again presented the case before the Court, and the Honorable Judge reiterated that no group may impede the access of students, faculty, and employees to a public institution,” Jordán Conde said in a written statement.

The ruling came amid proceedings related to the blocking of gates at the campus, where students, faculty and employees are demanding access to university facilities.

Jordán Conde said the court reaffirmed that blocking gates -- thereby depriving students of the ability to continue their studies -- constitutes illegal conduct. Following the judicial ruling, she issued an open letter to the university community urging them to refrain from any conduct that could violate the court’s order.

A systemwide strike was declared earlier this month. Among strikers’ demands is that Jordán Conde step down.

The official indicated that the institution would act with prudence, responsibility, and firmness to protect the right to education, as well as the safety and access of students, faculty, and employees. The UPR administration reiterated its commitment to academic continuity and to those students seeking to complete the semester without interruption.