Puerto Rico Court Orders UPR Reopening

Mayagüez: A Puerto Rico court ordered the immediate reopening of the gates at the University of Puerto Rico’s Mayagüez campus (RUM) after weeks of student protests that blocked access to the institution.

The ruling came amid an ongoing indefinite strike led by students demanding the resignation of UPR president Zayira Jordán Conde and interim rector Miguel Muñoz.

According to reports, the court instructed protesters to stop blocking entrances and allow free access to the campus while demonstrations continue. The ruling warned that demonstrators could face legal consequences, including possible arrests, if they ignored the order.

The university administration argued that the closure of the gates had disrupted academic and administrative operations, affecting students and faculty who wanted to continue classes normally. Officials said the strike was causing “irreparable and immediate” damage to the institution’s functioning.

Despite the ruling, students initially remained stationed at the entrances and continued their protest activities. Demonstrators argued they had a right to protest against university leadership and accused the administration of refusing to seriously address their concerns.

Interim rector Miguel Muñoz said the administration respects students’ right to demonstrate but insisted protests cannot interfere with campus access or university operations.

Student Strike Continues Despite Judicial Order

Even after the court ruling, students at the Mayagüez campus maintained their protest presence near the university entrances.

Student groups argued the demonstrations would continue until university leadership addresses broader concerns involving governance, transparency, and the leadership of UPR president Zayira Jordán Conde.

Protesters said the movement goes beyond gate closures and reflects deeper frustration with the administration.

Tensions increased further after students accused university security guards of opening one of the gates without their authorization. Protesters said the move crossed their protest line and heightened the confrontation between students and the administration.

The university administration responded that a court order demands open access to the institution, and officials must obey judicial directives. Administrators also argued that many students want to continue classes and academic activities without interruption.

Meanwhile, student leaders insisted they remain committed to peaceful protest and said they are receiving legal guidance while preparing for additional legal action that may emerge from the dispute.

The conflict has now become one of the most significant student protests affecting the University of Puerto Rico system in recent years.

Growing Opposition to UPR President Zayira Jordán Conde

The protests at the Mayagüez campus are part of a wider movement across the University of Puerto Rico system targeting UPR president Zayira Jordán Conde.

Student organizations and university groups have repeatedly demanded her resignation in recent weeks. Jordán Conde has been accused by critics of bad leadership, lack of transparency, and mismanagement of administrative decisions that impact the university system.

Demonstrators have organized marches, assemblies, and strikes at several UPR campuses as pressure on the administration continues growing.

Earlier this month, student leaders personally delivered a resignation letter to Jordán Conde during a meeting with university officials. Protesters argued the university system is facing a crisis that requires major leadership changes.

At the same time, Jordán Conde has defended the administration’s actions and previously stated that the university would not retaliate against students participating in protests. However, she also indicated that legal action could be pursued if demonstrations severely disrupted university operations.

The dispute has also spread politically beyond the Mayagüez campus. Student groups at Río Piedras and other campuses criticized proposed legislative measures related to university “stabilization,” arguing they could increase tensions rather than resolve the conflict.

The protests reflect wider frustration inside Puerto Rico’s public university system over governance, finances, and administrative leadership during a period of continued economic and institutional pressure.

Academic Calendar Disrupted as Protest Continues

The ongoing strike and legal battle have significantly affected the academic calendar at the Mayagüez campus.

The Administrative Board at RUM authorized extending the semester into mid-June because of disruptions caused by the protests and campus closures.

University officials said the extension became necessary to ensure students can complete coursework and academic requirements despite the interruption of normal campus activities.

The indefinite student strike at RUM began on April 13 and has continued for weeks, creating uncertainty for thousands of students, faculty members, and staff.

Protesters have maintained pressure on the administration while demanding broader institutional changes.

Court hearings related to the protests and campus access are expected to continue as university officials seek enforcement of the judicial order reopening the gates.

Administrators said they possess evidence showing the protests caused major operational disruptions.

Students, however, insist the demonstrations remain necessary and argue the administration has failed to respond meaningfully to their demands.

Protest leaders said the movement is not only about access to campus but also about the future direction of the University of Puerto Rico system.

The situation at the Mayagüez campus has become a symbol of broader tensions inside Puerto Rico’s public university system, where debates over leadership, governance, and student activism continue intensifying.