University of La Laguna Rejects Vito Quiles’ Event Amid Controversy

The University of La Laguna (ULL) has made headlines by officially denying permission for journalist and activist Vito Quiles to hold his event, “Combative Spain, Critical Journalism and Political Communication,” which was slated for November 4. The university’s decision is rooted in concerns about how such events could affect its commitment to safety and the integrity of its academic environment.

Commitment to Safety and Academic Integrity

In a detailed statement, ULL articulated its primary responsibility to foster a secure and supportive atmosphere for both academic and research activities. The university emphasized that it cannot sanction events that may jeopardize these fundamental functions. Furthermore, ULL reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of expression and respectful debate, stressing that these principles must align with the institution’s core values and the legal framework that governs public universities.

ULL’s statement also highlighted a crucial point: it cannot endorse the dissemination of misinformation or messages that contradict essential human rights, equality, or human dignity. The university firmly believes that educational institutions should serve as platforms for knowledge and coexistence, rather than becoming battlegrounds for conflict or propaganda that strays from their educational mission.

Community Response and Division

The planned tour by Vito Quiles has sparked considerable concern within the university community, as it seems to clash with ULL’s foundational values of coexistence and academic normalcy. Although Quiles’ tour is set to include various campuses across Spain, including those in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, neither ULL nor the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) has received formal requests to host the event.

Quiles has organized this tour in response to the recent killing of Charlie Kirk in the United States, which he attributes to what he describes as “intolerant leftists.” His stated goal is to advocate for freedom in regions where he perceives it to be under threat. This has led to a noticeable division among student associations on campus. Some groups have expressed support for Quiles, while others have voiced strong opposition to his visit. The student group ACE has indicated plans to protest if the event goes ahead, while Libertad Estudiantil is advocating for the university to remain an inclusive space for all viewpoints. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and the limits of acceptable discourse within academic settings.

Previous Engagements and Their Fallout

To fully understand the implications of ULL’s decision, it is essential to consider Quiles’ track record at other universities, which has often been marred by significant unrest. For example, during an unauthorized event at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) on October 16, clashes erupted between opposing student factions, resulting in property damage and a police intervention by the Mossos d’Esquadra. UAB condemned Quiles’ actions, criticizing the unauthorized nature of his visit and the presence of individuals from outside the university community.

Similarly, at the University of Granada (UGR), Quiles faced backlash as attendees chanted slogans such as “Christian Spain, not Muslim” and displayed Francoist symbols during his unauthorized gathering outside the Faculty of Law. Other institutions, including Pablo de Olavide University in Seville and the University of Malaga, have also reported disturbances linked to Quiles’ unapproved appearances, raising questions about the potential consequences of his tour.

The situation surrounding Vito Quiles’ planned tour highlights the complexities of navigating freedom of speech within academic institutions. As universities strive to uphold their commitments to safety and academic integrity, they must also grapple with the diverse perspectives and values of their student bodies. The decision by ULL to deny authorization for Quiles’ event reflects a broader trend among educational institutions to prioritize the well-being of their communities over controversial figures and divisive rhetoric.

As the date of the planned event approaches, the university community remains on edge, with discussions about the implications of Quiles’ tour continuing to unfold. The contrasting views among student groups illustrate the challenges that arise when balancing the right to free expression with the need for a respectful and inclusive academic environment. The outcome of this situation may set a precedent for how similar events are handled in the future, as universities navigate the delicate interplay between advocacy, safety, and academic freedom.

Key points

• University of La Laguna denies authorization for Vito Quiles’ event scheduled for November 4.
• Concerns about safety and academic integrity led to the decision.
• Quiles’ tour aims to advocate for freedom, citing recent events in the U.S.
• Division among student associations, with some supporting and others opposing Quiles.
• Previous engagements by Quiles at other universities have resulted in unrest and protests.
• ULL emphasizes commitment to freedom of expression aligned with its core values.