The faculties of Chemistry, Law, Economics, Dentistry, Engineering, Psychology, Architecture, as well as Political and Social Sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) switched to online classes starting Monday, September 29, following threats made against members of the community through Facebook and email, the university reported Sunday night. It was also announced that the Central Library remains closed.
Another institution that decided to move its activities online is the Faculty of Higher Studies (FES) Zaragoza.
The message, signed by Chemistry Faculty director Carlos Amador Bedolla, explained that this decision was made to guarantee the safety of the university community.
Te podría interesar
UNAM, in turn, stated in a communiqué that in recent days false information, rumors and lies have circulated regarding alleged bomb threats or the presence of “violent groups” seeking to disrupt university activities, particularly at high schools and CCH campuses.
ALSO READ: Death toll from gas truck blast in Mexico City rises to 30
According to the statement, response protocols have been activated in all cases, and official complaints have been filed with the relevant authorities and the cyber police to investigate the origin of the threats and punish those responsible.
The Faculty also reported that on Sunday formal records of the threats were drawn up and would be presented to the authorities. As preventive measures, students are advised not to accept friend requests from strangers on social media, “think twice before posting,” and avoid replying or interacting with threatening messages.
It is also recommended that, in case of receiving a threat, students take screenshots with date, time, and sender’s profile, review their privacy settings on social media and apps, and ensure that strangers cannot access their personal data.
The university further urged the community to report any threatening posts directly as hate speech, threat, or incitement to violence on the relevant platform—whether Instagram, Facebook, or others.
The 5 CCH campuses on strike
At the same time, the five campuses of the College of Sciences and Humanities (CCH) remain on strike to demand stronger security measures:
CCH South: indefinite strike
CCH Oriente: September 25 – October 2
CCH Azcapotzalco: September 29 – October 2
CCH Naucalpan: September 29 – October 3
CCH Vallejo: September 29 – October 3
Support for students
The institution also informed its community that in case of receiving a threat, it must be reported immediately to the Academic Support Secretariat, the Legal Department, the Local Security Commission, or any career office or coordination.
ALSO READ: Fuel theft network in Profeco reached an Interior Ministry official
“In case you witness a threat on campus, notify guards, authorities, or professors. If it is a serious threat, it is recommended to file a formal complaint with the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office.”
The Faculty of Chemistry provided the emergency line 55 56223735, ext. 23735 to report any dangerous situation inside its facilities, as well as the use of panic buttons. Assistance can also be requested through the S.O.S UNAM mobile app.
For its part, the Faculty of Medicine specified that no threats or intimidating messages have been received but that it has reinforced security measures, including checking surveillance cameras, ensuring the proper functioning of panic buttons, and conducting patrols.
Context: on Monday, September 22, a 19-year-old former student of CCH South murdered Jesús, a 16-year-old student.
The attacker, Lex Ashton, left his home armed with two knives and a kind of ice axe (a mountaineering tool with a sharp point), which his mother described as a “scythe,” and went to the school.
His mother called the 911 emergency number to report that he was armed, but no one was able to stop him.
The young man had previously written in incel forums (communities of young men who feel rejected by women) that he had never been loved by a woman and that he would take revenge for it.
djh