The Universities Observatory revealed that only last July Violations of university autonomy increased 309% compared to the first half of the year.
In a recent report, it was pointed out that 86% of the complaints were directly related to these attacks, with special incidence in the houses of study not controlled by the Government.
The Central University of Venezuela, the University of Los Andes, the University of Zulia, the University of Oriente and the University of Carabobo stand out. Private institutions such as UCAB and UNIMET were also added, in addition to student federations and teacher guilds.
The imposition of the centralized income system
The most recent trigger for the conflict was the decision of the National Council of Universities of Eliminate internal admission tests, A mechanism that is part of the constitutional right of universities to regulate their income.
The measure, promoted by the Ministry of University Education, intended to replace these processes with a centralized and controlled system by the Executive.
The UCV maintained its own mechanism, the entry system due to academic merit and comprehensive diagnosis, when considering it a tool to guarantee quality and equity. To this position other houses were added and the Venezuelan association of university rectors.
“The rectors will always be next to the defense of autonomy, freedom and democracy,” the association replied.
Student movements also recalled that Autonomy is not a privilege, but a necessary condition for the development of a free, fair and democratic society.
Sprayed salaries and teaching impoverishment
The autonomy crisis adds to the economic of the sector. According to the Universities Observatory, university professors this year They received a vacation bonus that represents only 1.15% of the amount they charged in 2002.
He recalled that 23 years ago an academic could buy 37 basic baskets with that benefit, but At present I would need 10 additional bonds to acquire only one.
In addition, he said, They accumulate more than three years without salary increase, which puts teachers among the worst remunerated of the continent and seriously compromises the educational quality.
The State generates a climate of censorship and repression
He also recalled that the Inter -American Human Rights Commission warned that The State interferes with university life. He pointed out the budget suffocation, the interference in elections of authorities, the imposition of admission systems and harassment of students and teachers.
These practices, warned the organization, constitute a direct violation of the inviolability of the academic space and generate a climate of censorship and repression.
“The data confirms a climate of conflict that threatens academic independence and the rights of the university community. It is urgent to defend education in Venezuela ”, express.
While complaints grow, the University Ministry of Education ignored the situation. He pointed out that, of the 318 publications in his official networks during July, 57% corresponded to ephemeris or political propaganda.
During that time, the university authorities did not offer responses to labor demands or the conflict for autonomy.
