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Speaking on behalf of CRUCH, the rector of Alberto Hurtado University, Eduardo Silva, stated that "it is a bill we fully support" and that "its approval is a matter of justice." He also said that it is necessary to introduce some clarifications regarding the academic compatibility and funding of the project.
The session also included presentations by the Undersecretary of Higher Education, the Superintendent of Higher Education, the president of the Consortium of State Universities of Chile (CUECH), and the president of the G-9 Network of Non-State Public Universities.
The Senate Education Committee debated on Monday, June 12, the bill that protects the rights of student caregivers in Higher Education, an event in which the rector of the Alberto Hurtado University, Eduardo Silva, participated on behalf of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH).
Also known as law “I Care and I Study”, The initiative seeks to promote co-responsibility and ensure a balance between family, academic and training activities.
In the Education Committee, Rector Silva stated that, while the bill requires clarification regarding academic compatibility and funding, its approval is a matter of fairness. “This is a bill we fully support. Making family life compatible with academic studies, particularly for those who have or are expecting a child, seems a matter of justice. Therefore, we must support these students so they don't lose benefits, can suspend or postpone their studies, and so that all discrimination is avoided,” he said.
Also present at the session were the Undersecretary of Higher Education, Víctor Orellana; the Superintendent of Higher Education, José Miguel Salazar; the president of the Consortium of State Universities of Chile (CUECH) and rector of the University of Valparaíso, Osvaldo Corrales; the president of the G-9 Network of Non-State Public Universities and rector of the Catholic University of the Holy Conception, Cristhian Mellado; and the researcher Macarena Galaz.
Observations from the CRUCH
Regarding CRUCH's observations on the project, Rector Silva initially suggested that it would be advisable to specify a timeframe for the suspension or extension of studies for student caregivers, since "the period of time that the student's conditions are maintained is analogous to maintaining student benefits (...) and if there is a suspension that has no limit, it is complex.".
Another recommendation was to clarify how to prove care for a person with a disability or dependent, since the instrument referred to – the social registry of households – is not mandatory for the student, except in cases where they apply for benefits or financial support.
Rector Silva also pointed out that the minimum content established by the bill could potentially conflict with universities' internal regulations regarding admission, promotion, and retention. “It would be important to review the wording of the article on non-arbitrary discrimination in admissions, since no one can be arbitrarily discriminated against. If one were to deliberately avoid affecting admissions, it could create a special admissions pathway, and that would no longer be within the control of higher education institutions,” he commented.
Finally, regarding funding, the rector stated that protecting the rights of student caregivers in Higher Education should be a shared public policy between the State and universities, so as not to "put obstacles in anyone's way, to the extent possible.".
In this regard, during the session, the Undersecretary of Higher Education, Víctor Orellana, pledged to evaluate funding for universities to facilitate the implementation of the law in the various higher education institutions.
CRUCH Communications
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