Santiago González Larraín, Rector of Universidad Central and President of the Association of Private Universities (CUP), has denounced recent serious incidents at the Austral University of Chile. The episode targeted the integrity of the Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Ximena Lincolao, according to reports from latercera.com.
The academic leader expressed strong condemnation of the events, noting that such violence jeopardizes both the safety of officials and academic freedom. González Larraín urged academic communities to safeguard the democratic and pluralistic nature of their institutions.
Defending Free Thought
According to the CUP President, these attacks undermine the university community's right to engage in open debate. The Rector emphasized that universities must serve as spaces for critical deliberation, where the exchange of ideas is not interrupted by intolerance.
"It is imperative that the widespread condemnation these events have sparked translates into an unrestricted and permanent commitment from all stakeholders in the system to protect mutual respect," González Larraín stated in a letter published by the Chilean news outlet.
The official also highlighted Minister Lincolao's stance regarding the situation. According to the report by latercera.com, the Rector praised the constructive attitude and openness to dialogue that the Minister has maintained with the research and higher education ecosystem.
Finally, the statement underscored that the development of science and innovation requires environments of social peace. The leader maintained that the Minister's willingness to work collaboratively with various institutions is fundamental to the country's national vision.
