Solidarity with the university community of USAC in Guatemala

The Steering Committee of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences condemns the events that took place on July 1st at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC), the country's only public university, which demonstrate the erosion of the rule of law. For the second time, and now with the backing of the courts and the government's silence, a person who does not meet the qualifications established by law has been imposed as rector.

In an illegal and illegitimate act, his continuation as rector for another four years was announced, while the main university campus remains occupied and guarded by armed individuals. On July 1st, these individuals attacked students holding a peaceful protest outside the university with tear gas.

It is concerning that, for months, the illegitimate university authorities have kept classrooms closed and imposed online learning. This measure infringes upon the right to study in dignified conditions and limits the right to student and union organization.

The gravity of the situation was acknowledged by the OAS Special Mission in Guatemala in a statement issued on July 1. In it, the Mission urges university, judicial, and governmental authorities to contribute, within their respective spheres of competence, to resolving this unprecedented situation in the region, in accordance with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and respect for human rights.

We express our solidarity with the university community of the University of San Carlos, which resists the co-optation of its center of studies, denounces the violation of academic freedom, demands the opening of the classrooms and demands the normalization of university life.

We call upon the judicial and governmental bodies mandated to guarantee unrestricted public education in Guatemala. Likewise, we urge academic institutions and associations to speak out against a situation that represents a loss of spaces and conditions for critical thinking in the region.

CLACSO Steering Committee
4 of July 2026