Cuban Students Stage Protest on University of Havana Steps

This Monday, a cohort of students organized a peaceful sit-in on the steps of the University of Havana (UH) to express their dissatisfaction with academic conditions and the hybrid learning model that several universities across the nation have adopted amidst the ongoing electrical crisis.

According to testimonies shared by students and relayed by activist Magdiel Jorge Castro on social media, the frustration stems from the regime's decision to persist with remote classes despite frequent power outages and connectivity issues that plague much of the country.

Students argue that the current energy situation hampers reliable internet access and restricts participation in virtual academic activities, making the continuation of such an educational format unfeasible in their view.

The discontent is not confined to the University of Havana. Similar grievances have been reported at other institutions, including CUJAE and the University of Information Sciences (UCI), according to the same student sources.

Amid rising tensions, the administration of the University of Havana reportedly moved up a scheduled board meeting from Monday to Sunday to address the issues raised by the students' dissatisfaction.

Patrick Oppmann, a journalist with CNN, verified on the social media platform X that "a group of about 20 students" is conducting a peaceful protest at the university.

"Happening now: A group of about 20 students is staging a peaceful sit-in to protest conditions at the University of Havana," noted the correspondent.