Abel Tablada de la Torre, an architect and tenured professor at the Faculty of Architecture of CUJAE (Havana's Technological University), has been let go from his position following the publication of critical reflections on Facebook regarding Cuba's current situation and the university system.
The news broke through activist Magdiel Jorge Castro, who shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp message wherein the professor bid farewell to his students. In the message, Tablada mentioned that his personal reflections posted on social media were not well-received by the university's leadership.
The activist noted that the expulsion has stirred significant unrest among the architecture students. The posts in question include two notable pieces: one concerning Etecsa's financial outlook for 2025 and another recent one titled "University and Resilience," dated February 2.
Challenges Facing Cuban Universities
In his writings, Tablada depicted the harsh realities faced by Cuban universities, such as frequent blackouts, transportation issues, meager faculty salaries—ranging from 10 to 15 dollars monthly—and a lack of resources for both educators and students. He warned, "Excessive resilience might lead to accepting conditions that should not be prolonged."
The professor emphasized the deteriorating quality of incoming students' preparation and the erosion of equitable access to higher education. While he acknowledged the impact of U.S. sanctions, Tablada stressed the necessity for a genuine national dialogue, incorporating diverse viewpoints and active public involvement, to shape Cuba's future.
Family Ties and Political Repercussions
Abel Tablada is the brother of Johana Tablada, a prominent official in the Cuban regime known for denying political repression on the island. She currently holds a significant diplomatic role at Cuba's embassy in Mexico with her husband. The professor's dismissal has sparked discussion on social media due to the irony of a close relative of an official figure being penalized for expressing dissenting views.
This incident reignites the discussion on freedom of expression within Cuban universities and highlights the limited scope that academics have to challenge the country's political and economic direction, even from non-traditionally oppositional stances.
Understanding the Impact of Academic Freedom in Cuba
Why was Professor Abel Tablada dismissed from CUJAE?
Professor Abel Tablada was dismissed from CUJAE due to his critical Facebook posts about the Cuban political and university systems, which were not well-received by the university's leadership.
What issues did Tablada highlight about Cuban universities?
Tablada highlighted several issues, including frequent blackouts, inadequate transportation, low faculty salaries, and a lack of necessary resources for both students and teachers.
How has Tablada's expulsion affected the university community?
His dismissal has caused unrest and sparked significant debate among students at the Faculty of Architecture, as well as criticism over the limits of free expression within Cuban academic institutions.