In a statement, "the Council of the State University of Haiti (CUEH) denounces and contests the Executive Branch's decision to establish a regulatory body for higher education outside the existing constitutional framework. Such a move constitutes a clear violation of the hierarchy of legal norms.

The CUEH reiterates that, since the adoption of the Decree of March 11, 2020, concerning the organization, operation, and modernization of higher education, it has undertaken numerous steps to denounce the unconstitutional nature of this text, which contradicts the principles of autonomy and independence of the State University of Haiti enshrined in the 1987 Haitian Constitution, particularly in Articles 32, 208, and 209.

To this end, the CUEH adopted a resolution dated November 25, 2020, warning public authorities against the implementation of the aforementioned decree and calling for its suspension. Subsequently, the Rectorate of the State University of Haiti sent several letters to the executive authorities, notably on August 27, 2025, and November 4, 2025, requesting the initiation of an institutional dialogue, the suspension of the decree, and the commitment to a national consultation process regarding higher education reforms.

However, the adoption of the decree by the Council of Ministers on December 18, 2025, followed by the publication of the Order in "Le Moniteur" on December 30, 2025, and the establishment of the resulting body, only exacerbated the situation. While acknowledging the need to regulate higher education in the country, the CUEH (Council of University Students of Haiti) believes that these unilateral decisions seriously undermine the constitutional guarantees of the State University of Haiti and contribute to exacerbating tensions in a national context already marked by a profound institutional, social, and security crisis, while also jeopardizing the public service mission of non-profit higher education provided by the UEH.

These illegal practices, detrimental to institutional stability and collective well-being, further weaken the country and generate new crises, to the detriment of both public and private higher education, as well as national socio-economic development. Historically, the State University of Haiti has always defended democratic principles and has consistently thwarted the authoritarian and anti-democratic ambitions of leaders throughout history. Therefore, the CUEH demands the immediate withdrawal of the decree of March 11, 2020, and all related administrative measures. He also makes a solemn appeal to the executive branch, political actors, and all of civil society, particularly those in the academic sector, to commit to profound reforms of higher education, based on dialogue, consultation, and the primacy of the best interests of the Haitian nation.

The Council of the State University of Haiti reaffirms its unwavering commitment to dialogue and consultation, in strict accordance with democratic principles, in order to preserve the UEH, an autonomous and independent institution that has become a true national treasure."

For the Council of the State University of Haiti (CUEH):

Rector Dieuseul Prédélus

President of the University Council

HL/ HaitiLibre