The meeting was attended by the Minister of Culture, Juan David Correa, temporarily appointed as Minister of Education ad hoc by President Gustavo Petro; the vice minister of Higher Education, the delegates of the president of the Republic, the representatives of the teachers of the Academic Council, the directors and the former rectors.
Precisely, Correa was the one who, through Resolution 7480 of 2024, ordered the Higher University Council to convene the meeting within 24 hours. “extraordinary session whose only item on the agenda is to assign a rector temporarily in charge until a final decision is adopted by the Council regarding Ismael Peña’s conduct of self-possession,” reads the document signed by Correa and known to WEEK.
During the voting this Friday, three councilors abstained from voting and did not respond to the challenges requested the previous day. resulting in only four votes in favor, instead of the five necessary for the election of the rector in charge.
The suspension of the session, together with the reported irregularities, could alter the course of the election. It is expected that in the coming days the necessary measures will be adopted to resume the process of electing the rector in charge, in the midst of the controversy unleashed by President Petro’s position against the rector chosen by the Superior Council of the university, the prominent professor José Ismael Pena.
President Petro’s decision to appoint Minister Juan David Correa as ad hoc has unleashed a wave of criticism from experts, who have described it as a “coup d’état” against José Ismael Peña. This controversy has plunged the university community into a climate of unrest, triggering demonstrations and marches in the vicinity of the campus.
It is necessary to remember that José Ismael Peña was elected on March 21 as rector of the National University for the period 2024-2027. Although the election process of the university’s Superior Council was questioned, The Attorney General’s Office determined that the election was legal and valid, which led to Peña taking office before Notary Office 14 of Bogotásince the Minister of Education, Aurora Vergara, refused to sign the designation and appointment document.
However, Peña’s appointment has generated discomfort among students, teachers and graduates, who supported Leopoldo Múnera as the favorite candidate in previous consultations. Múnera, recognized for his outstanding academic career and extensive experience at the university, would have obtained a clear victory in the consultation, with 34.4% support. Hence Petro’s rejection of Peña.
Precisely, Jennifer Pedraza, representative to the Chamber and former university leader, spoke out after the election of the new rector: “This is unacceptable. How can they ignore the forceful decision of the National University? Gentlemen CSU, respect students, professors and graduates of the UN! What is the fear of respecting the voice of the community? “They were able to live up to history.”
