Universidad Veracruzana labor and student unrest

Internal disputes have emerged at the Universidad Veracruzana involving both faculty and students.

In late August, faculty members at the Faculty of Communication denounced what they described as a “systematic violation of their collective bargaining agreement.” The professors protested a new administrative policy requiring academic leave and permit requests to be submitted on the same day they are requested, arguing it leaves them defenseless during emergencies. The group indicated they were prepared to pursue legal action and called on union leadership to intervene.

By early September, the unrest expanded to the Faculty of Medicine in Ciudad Mendoza, where medical students occupied campus facilities indefinitely. The students demanded direct dialogue with the university rector to address grievances including poor infrastructure, lack of basic supplies like running water and paper products, and concerns regarding academic management and financial transparency. Students specifically noted that professors are sometimes assigned up to nine subjects, which they claim hinders instruction quality, and questioned the use of tuition fees given the inadequate services.

By late September, the student strike had lasted approximately 20 days. The university accused the Mayor of Ciudad Mendoza, Gustavo Sánchez Ortiz, of interfering in the conflict, calling for respect for its “constitutional autonomy.” Meanwhile, students criticized Rector Martín Aguilar Sánchez for allegedly refusing public dialogue and relying solely on digital communications to manage the situation. Local citizens have also expressed criticism regarding the mayor’s involvement, suggesting municipal resources should focus on public safety and water supply instead.