The Catalan public universities vindicate dialogue as the only possible way to face the situation in Catalonia

The undersigning, Rectors of Catalan public universities, before the current situation Catalonia is living, condemn the coercive episodes of the freedom of expression that are taking place in recent days.

We vindicate dialogue as the only possible way for understanding under democracy, stemming from the conviction that freedom of expression and respect to one another and to the law are essential and irrevocable pillars of democracy.

The universal vision that lays at the core of the university obliges to observe the most fundamental values underpinning coexistence and the rights of people. All authorities and institutions must act with scrupulous respect for these original values of democracy and freedom.

• Margarita Arboix, rector of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
• Sergi Bonet, rector of Universitat de Girona (UdG)
• Jaume Casals, rector of Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
• Joan Elias, rector of Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
• Roberto Fernández, rector of Universitat de Lleida (UdL)
• Josep Anton Ferré, rector of Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV)
• Enric Fossas, rector of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
• Joan Anton Planell, rector of Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)