Summary by armed Udelar professor: measures, appeal and institutional context
The Udelar School of Dentistry opened an administrative investigation after a professor entered the building carrying a firearm, according to official sources. As a precautionary measure and while the incident is investigated, the university suspended him from his position for six months and ordered the withholding of 50% of his salary. The case generated an immediate institutional clash: the professor filed a hierarchical appeal to challenge the sanction, and the University rejected this request.
In his appeal, the professor argued that the precautionary measure constituted an "advance" sanction, calling it disproportionate and claiming that he had not been given the opportunity to present his version of events before the suspension was issued. The Udelar Central Governing Council dismissed the appeal and upheld the ruling in its entirety, citing the seriousness of the events.
The governing body emphasized that the preventive measures are precautionary and not punitive in nature, and that the disciplinary procedure will allow the professor to present his defense in a timely manner. The university also emphasized that the decision is in line with the maximum precautionary sanction contemplated by the institution's statutory regulations. Meanwhile, the internal investigation is ongoing, with operational details being withheld .
The situation revived the debate over security protocols and the scope of academic sanctions for behavior considered risky in the educational setting. For Udelar, the combination of the presence of a weapon and the context in which the complaint occurred justified the preventive suspension. For the appellant, however, the measure violates labor rights and was adopted without considering his version of the events.
Legally, the case will follow the steps of a preliminary investigation: formal notification, the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses, and a reasoned decision once the investigation is complete. While salary withholding is exceptional, the university is applying it as a precautionary measure while responsibilities are clarified. In parallel, the case could lead to administrative action and, eventually, judicial proceedings depending on the results of the investigation.
The academic community closely followed the decision, both for its disciplinary implications and for its implications for trust and security within the campus. The administration insisted that the priority is to preserve the educational environment and ensure that the reported incidents are thoroughly investigated . The incident will likely serve to review internal and security protocols at the faculty.
The final ruling on the administrative investigation is expected in the coming days, and, if appropriate, the opening of additional disciplinary or judicial proceedings. In the meantime, the case will continue to be monitored institutionally and the parties involved will be in communication.
