The rectors and rectors of the eighteen Universities of the State of Chile, we want to express our opinion regarding the events that are taking place in our country.

The large social mobilizations of recent days have revealed a deep discomfort in Chilean society as a result of the social, cultural and economic model that we have built for decades and that has not been able to reduce inequality and promote social cohesion in our country. country.

It was proclaimed that the privatization of fundamental public services, such as education, health, pensions, transportation and health services, would be the mechanism so that social integration based on personal effort and meritocratic individualism would allow development with prosperity for all. and all. This has not happened. On the contrary, the measures implemented under the principles of this model have been ineffective as demonstrated by the increase in social inequality, visible in the income gap between the richest and poorest deciles, social and urban segregation, and in access to education and health, among other fundamental services.

In this context, promoting dialogue and non-violence necessarily requires a new social pact whose horizon and actions tend to return to the path of cohesion and social justice.

State universities, as a space for understanding and dialogue in these significant processes of change, offer our political authorities and the regional and national society to which we owe, all the capabilities of our students, academics and the university community in general, with creativity, freedom and tolerance to contribute to this urgent task.

We are facing a unique and historic opportunity that we cannot waste.

CONSORTIUM OF UNIVERSITIES OF THE STATE OF CHILE

 Santiago, October 21, 2019