Representatives from the Citizen Platform in Defense of the University of Jaén (UJA) held a working day in Linares with the aim of mobilizing society. This initiative seeks to ensure broad participation in the rally scheduled for April 29, at 7:30 PM, in the Plaza de las Batallas in Jaén. The central event of the day was a meeting with various associations from Linares, all committed to the advancement of the UJA and, in particular, the Scientific and Technological Campus of Linares.
Representing the Platform were its coordinator, Antonio Garrido, and members Luis Francisco Sánchez Cáceres and Antonio Salvador Valero. The latter has been a key figure in Linares in promoting this movement that brings together civil society around the future of the academic institution.
During the meeting, an interesting discussion followed the interventions by the Platform's members. Attendees demonstrated being well-informed about the situation and expressed their commitment to speak out so that the government of the Junta de Andalucía complies with the funding agreements. The demand is not for more funds, but for the materialization of what the Andalusian political power agreed upon with the rectors, which, despite having been published in the BOJA, has not yet been executed. The importance of this compliance was emphasized to consolidate the system of public Andalusian universities, which currently competes with a growing network of private universities.
“"This is not politics, this is Jaén, defending what is ours, clearing an uncertain, even worrying and risky future for the UJA, which, about to turn 33, is a success story, no matter what anyone thinks."
Antonio Garrido, general coordinator of the Platform, reviewed the movement's four-year trajectory, highlighting the challenges faced, such as the 'Velasco Model' and the initial refusal of the Biomedical Engineering Degree, which was finally achieved after a hard struggle. For his part, Antonio Salvador Valero focused on the Scientific Campus of Linares, emphasizing its solvency and the introduction of new degrees despite difficulties. He called for support from Linares, stressing that social force is crucial to influence the Junta and refuted the statements by counselor Villamandos regarding the UJA's financial situation.
Luis Sánchez Cáceres highlighted the importance of the mobilization on April 29, urging the society of Linares to actively participate in Jaén. He also invited attendees to a round table that the Platform will hold on April 21, at 7:00 PM, at the old Escuela de Magisterio, with candidates from the main political forces running in the May 17 elections for the province of Jaén. The goal is for them to present their proposals for the UJA in the Parliament and in the future government of the Junta, defending the central idea that “either you are with the UJA or you are against the future of the province.”
