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The University of Havana (UH) issued an official statement in which it assured that it will not allow interruptions in its teaching processes, clearly referencing the academic strike called by students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing, and reaffirmed its unconditional support for the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
Nothing and no one will interrupt our teaching processes with calls that are completely distant from the spirit that has inspired exchanges with student and youth organizations. The University of Havana does not waver in its revolutionary essence and in its mission to support the Communist Party of Cuba and the Government,” the statement says.
The institutional statement comes amid a growing wave of student discontent regarding the recent commercial measures imposed by Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA), which limit national top-ups to 360 CUP every 30 days. These restrictions have sparked widespread criticism from the university student body.
In the official Telegram channel of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing of the UH, the students announced an indefinite academic strike starting June 4.
In their call, they demanded the revocation or modification of the measures imposed by ETECSA, a transparent dialogue with the executives of the state-owned company, and the active inclusion of student technical knowledge in the search for viable solutions.
The organizers also urged university authorities to support the student body, and encouraged the teaching staff to join in the name of the common good of Cuban society.
These demands add to those already raised by students from the Technological University of Havana “José Antonio Echeverría” (CUJAE), who also strongly condemned ETECSA's restrictions.
In a joint statement issued on June 3, the FEU and the UJC of the CUJAE deemed the explanations provided by ETECSA as vague and demanded not only more inclusive technical alternatives but also a more respectful attitude from the representatives of the state-owned company.
As a partial response to the discontent, ETECSA announced on the official program Mesa Redonda that university students will be able to purchase a second mobile data package of 6 GB for an additional 360 CUP, for a total of 12 GB per month.
More than 40 educational websites were also made available free of charge, as explained by the president of the company, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez. However, the measure does not eliminate the controversial restriction of 360 CUP per month on national recharges imposed on the Cuban people, which keeps the criticized pricing structure intact for the students.
No modifications have been announced to the general connectivity policy in effect since May 30.
Since that day, university authorities such as UH have held meetings with students and staff to discuss the grievances and proposals arising from the new regulations.
According to the statement from UH, these exchanges have involved the participation of the Party, the UJC, the FEU, and the Union, as well as high-ranking executives from ETECSA.
The official position of the UH establishes a clear stance against any form of protest that disrupts the academic order, prioritizing institutional stability over the demands of its student community.
The tension arising from the demands of youth against the official discourse marks a new episode of friction between Cuban universities and the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protest and ETECSA's Measures in Cuba
Why won't the University of Havana tolerate student strikes?
The University of Havana has declared that it will not allow interruptions in its teaching processes as strikes are considered contrary to the revolutionary spirit and unity that the institution and the Communist Party of Cuba promote. This statement is in response to an academic strike announced by students in protest against ETECSA's measures.
What are the main demands of students regarding ETECSA's price hike?
Students from the University of Havana and other institutions have demanded the revocation or modification of the measures imposed by ETECSA, a transparent dialogue with the company's management, and the active involvement of student technical knowledge in seeking viable solutions. They also request more inclusive technical alternatives and respect in the explanations provided by the state enterprise.
How has ETECSA responded to the criticism regarding the price hike?
ETECSA has announced that university students will be able to purchase a second mobile data package of 6 GB for an additional 360 CUP, bringing the total to 12 GB per month. Additionally, more than 40 educational sites have been made free of charge. However, these measures do not eliminate the restriction of 360 CUP per month on national top-ups, which keeps the criticized pricing structure among students.
What is the stance of the FEU and other student organizations regarding ETECSA's measures?
The University Student Federation (FEU) and the Young Communist League (UJC) have strongly condemned ETECSA's measures, describing them as exclusionary and technically inconsistent. They demand respect and genuine dialogue with the university community, as well as more inclusive technical alternatives that do not hinder access to the internet and education.
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