Mexico City. Students from the Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE), accompanied by students from the Universities of Guadalajara, the Americas in Puebla, among others, marched from the Palace of Fine Arts to the National Palace to demand a “dignified and free science” education.
In a letter they read, they asked President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to “give guarantees of university independence and academic freedom,” as well as recognize the legitimacy of the student organization in all educational centers in the country.
They also demanded that the CEO issue instructions so that “fair” resources are given to universities, and that they be agreed in advance with the scientific and academic sector for the development of teaching and research activities.
The group of protesters also called for the “immediate dismissal of Maria Elena Alvarez-Boella, President of the National Council for Science and Technology (CONASET), and demanded a hearing” to reflect and build proposals to strengthen the state’s path towards the realization of a project in the educational and scientific field.
During the march that left the Beaux-Arts around 10:30 a.m., protesters chanted slogans such as “University Independence!” and “More knowledge, less obedience!” and ‘We’re still waiting for dialogue’ and ‘If they refuse, listen up., this will never end.’ On May 5 the mobilization advanced to the National Palace, where representatives of the universities made their statements.
They demanded “accusations without evidence from public authority of academics who make them uncomfortable with telling the truth; imposition of directors in public research centers. Arbitrary cuts to the budgets of the University of Guadalajara and other institutions.”
Likewise, “the attempt to take over the University of Las America Puebla by political agents and the decline of research projects.”
