PUCP Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Against Students Following Tuition Protests

• FEPUC denounces a breach of a non-punitive agreement signed on May 21 between PUCP students and administration.
• Nine students are currently facing disciplinary action for their participation in campus protests against a new tuition scale.
• Students argue that disciplinary proceedings are being used to undermine fundamental rights like protest and free expression.

The Conflict and Agreement

• Following nine days of mobilizing and occupying the Dintilhac building, students secured an agreement in May to end protests.
• The protest targeted the university's move to reduce tuition scales from nine levels to four, a change students claim will harm future enrollees.
• The May agreement explicitly included a commitment to a non-punitive approach regarding the student protests.

Disciplinary Proceedings

• The PUCP Comprehensive Security Office (OSI) requested the proceedings on June 15, less than one month after the agreement.
• The university justifies the action under its Unified Regulations for Disciplinary Proceedings, citing "public disorder" and "limitation of academic freedom."
• These nine cases are separate from other ongoing proceedings initiated after a March 30 protest against a congressional candidate's presence on campus.

Student Response

• The Federation of Students (FEPUC) argues the proceedings are incompatible with the political commitments made by the university.
• Students contend that university regulations are applied to prevent the exercise of rights such as assembly and political organization.
• The student body has called for an end to what they term "student persecution" and insists that dialogue should not be used as a stalling tactic for impending sanctions.