12/06/2026
READ: UST CENTRAL STUDENT COUNCIL Statement in the Defense of Student Rights, Academic Freedom, and Democratic Spaces on National Independence Day.
The UST Central Student Council stands in solidarity with all Thomasians who continue to exercise their rights to participation, expression, and advocacy in pursuit of issues that affect the student body and society at large.
At a time when students are increasingly called upon to engage with pressing social, political, and institutional concerns, it is imperative that spaces for critical discourse, dissent, and democratic participation remain protected within the University. Academic institutions must remain venues where students are able to freely express ideas, engage in dialogue, and participate in collective action without fear of their legitimate forms of expression being subjected to punitive application of institutional policies.
The Council affirms that student activism has long been an integral part of the Thomasian formation of individuals who are competent, committed, and compassionate. The ability to think critically, express one’s convictions, and engage in collective action are fundamental components of meaningful student participation and civic engagement.
These developments also raise serious concerns regarding the Student Handbook and the manner by which its provisions are implemented in cases involving expression and political participation. While serving as the University’s primary framework for student conduct, the application of certain provisions that restricts and penalizes legitimate forms of speech, organization, and advocacy, remains a prevailing concern. When the exercise of democratic participation is met with apprehension and the possibility of administrative sanction, the urgent need to critically review the content of the student handbook bears more emphasis. Its enforcement shall not function in a way that limits academic freedom, collective action, or meaningful student participation within the University. These concerns are further intensified by the absence of direct and institutionalized student involvement in its drafting, revision, and amendment, leaving students, who are most affected by its provisions, with limited influence over the policies that govern their academic and civic life.
At the same time, we call for the observance of fairness, transparency, and due process in the handling of all cases involving students. We urge the University administration and all concerned offices to ensure that the rights, welfare, and dignity of the students involved are upheld throughout any proceedings. Due process must remain a cornerstone of any disciplinary mechanism to guarantee that no student is deprived of fairness, clarity, and equal protection under institutional rules.
The Council likewise recognizes the importance of safeguarding the University as a space dedicated to learning, critical inquiry, and free discourse. As students continue to engage in advocacy, organize around issues affecting their communities, and participate in discussions on matters of public concern, it is imperative that academic spaces remain free from conditions that may foster intimidation, surveillance, or fear. In this regard, we express concern over any form of military or state security presence, intervention, or activity within academic spaces that may undermine the exercise of academic freedom and democratic participation. The entry of state forces into universities raises significant questions regarding institutional autonomy, the protection of civil liberties, and the ability of students, faculty, and academic workers to engage in open discourse without undue pressure or perceived threats.
The UST Central Student Council remains steadfast in its commitment to defending student rights, safeguarding democratic spaces, and advancing the interests and welfare of the Thomasian student body. We continue to call for dialogue, accountability, and the protection of freedoms that allow students to actively participate in shaping a just, inclusive, and responsive academic community. We likewise emphasize the necessity of genuine student inclusion in policy-making processes to ensure that institutional rules reflect not only administrative priorities but also the lived realities and rights of the student body.
In solidarity with the Thomasian community, we reaffirm our commitment to democracy, justice and the protection of student voices.