Helberth Augusto Choachí, rector of the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, rejected the stigmatization of students following protests and vandalism in Bogotá [1].
The statement addresses a volatile situation where public transit disruptions and clashes with authorities have sparked a debate over the role of university students in civil unrest. The incident highlights the tension between student activism and criminal vandalism in the city's urban centers.
The unrest centered on the TransMilenio station on Calle 76, located near the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional [2]. The demonstrations began as a protest against a proposed differential fare for public-university students on the TransMilenio system [2]. However, the situation escalated into acts of vandalism and confrontations with security forces [2].
Choachí said that people unrelated to the university participated in the violence that affected city mobility [1]. He sought to distance the academic community from the destructive actions, stating, "Los estudiantes de la Universidad no son enemigos de la ciudadanía" [1].
Regarding the response to the riots, the rector criticized the handling of the situation. Choachí said, "Fue una actuación desmedida" [1].
Other officials viewed the events differently. The Secretaría de Gobierno de Bogotá said the events were "Violencia sistemática" [1]. Reports indicate that masked individuals were involved in the vandalism at the Calle 76 station, where security cameras were damaged [2].
Choachí said that the institution should not be blamed for the actions of external actors who joined the protests to incite chaos [1].
“"Los estudiantes de la Universidad no son enemigos de la ciudadanía"”
This conflict underscores a recurring pattern in Bogotá where legitimate student grievances—such as transit fare disputes—are co-opted by external agitators. By distancing the university from the vandalism, the rector is attempting to protect the institution's reputation and prevent the criminalization of student protest, while the city government's framing of 'systematic violence' suggests a broader security concern beyond simple student activism.
