Rainer Rubira García, a Cuban-born academic and the dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) in Madrid, has found himself at the heart of a heated debate. This comes after he circulated an institutional letter rejecting the presence of Argentine President Javier Milei at the university.
Dispute Arises Over Milei's Campus Visit
The controversy erupted during President Milei's visit to the Vicálvaro campus on Wednesday, October 21, where he attended the opening of the 10th Annual Madrid Conference on Austrian Economics. According to reports from ICN Diario, Rubira García criticized the Argentine leader in a letter sent to faculty members, titled "Dean's Letter: Visit of Javier Milei to URJC."
In his statement, Rubira García asserted that the faculty held an ethical and professional duty to oppose Milei's presence, accusing him of promoting "scorn, polarization, and hate speech." He remarked, "The chainsaw is not a symbol of understanding, but of aggression," referencing one of Milei's prominent political symbols.
Criticism of Official University Channels
The dean also took issue with Milei's relationship with the media and the cultural sector, arguing that his attacks on journalists and certain artistic expressions contradicted the values the university should uphold. The letter prompted criticism within the academic community, particularly regarding the use of institutional communication to convey a political stance.
Academic sources consulted by El Cierre Digital questioned the use of official university channels to express opposition to Milei without prior debate in the Faculty Board. Critics believe that the objection should have been presented as a personal viewpoint of the academic, rather than an institutional stance.
Despite the uproar, there is no official record of the university determining that Rubira García committed any administrative misconduct. Rubira García, a graduate in Social Communication from the University of Havana, where he also taught, later advanced his academic career in Spain. He earned his doctorate and was appointed as the dean of Communication Sciences at URJC in April 2026.
Student Protests Against Milei's Visit
The Argentine president's presence also sparked demonstrations outside the campus. According to EFE, hundreds of students gathered with banners, whistles, and flags to voice opposition to Milei and his policies. Among the chants were "Milei, fascist, you're on our list!" as university groups demanded the cancellation of his participation.
Conversely, OKDiario reported that some students defended their right to attend the conference, regardless of political leanings, and complained about difficulties accessing certain facilities. Despite the protests and the dean's opposition, Milei participated in the academic event, where he defended his economic ideas and expressed gratitude to the university for hosting him.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Controversy at URJC
Why did Rainer Rubira García oppose Javier Milei's visit?
Rainer Rubira García opposed Javier Milei's visit because he believed the president's rhetoric promoted scorn, polarization, and hate speech, which he felt were incompatible with the values of the university.
How did the academic community react to the dean's letter?
The academic community criticized the dean's use of institutional channels to express a political stance without prior discussion within the Faculty Board, suggesting it should have been presented as a personal opinion.
Were there any student protests during Milei's visit?
Yes, there were student protests outside the campus, with participants voicing their opposition to Milei and his policies, demanding the cancellation of his participation in the conference.