Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM), the country’s largest and most prestigious public university, found itself in turmoil this week after a shocking act of violence and a wave of threats forced more than half its departments to cancel classes or move them online. The disruption, which unfolded between September 29 and October 5, 2025, followed the killing of a 16-year-old student at one of UNAM’s feeder schools and a spate of threats targeting female faculty members, according to The Associated Press.
The tragedy began at the Sciences and Humanities School South campus, where a young student was fatally attacked. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the university community, already familiar with cases of gender-based violence. As news of the attack spread, so did fear and uncertainty: students and faculty reported a dozen threats to the Mexico City prosecutor’s office, with many specifically directed at women in the university’s chemistry department. The threats—delivered via email and social media—referenced the recent killing and singled out four female professors "for being women," as detailed by university General Counsel Hugo Concha in statements to the press.
Authorities swiftly identified and apprehended a suspect in the killing—a 19-year-old man who, in a desperate attempt to escape, jumped from a building and was subsequently hospitalized. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had ties to the so-called "involuntary celibate" or "incel" movement, a mostly online subculture consisting primarily of men who believe they are unfairly denied romantic or sexual relationships. According to AP reporting, Concha acknowledged that while UNAM had established protocols to address potential "incel"-related incidents, the university had never before experienced violent acts connected to the ideology. He noted, however, that authorities could not rule out a link between the suspect’s beliefs and the threats against the professors.
The fallout from these events was immediate and widespread. Fourteen departments moved their classes online after students refused to attend in person, and another 14 departments were completely shut down by students and faculty. The sense of unease was palpable, especially as the university entered a period traditionally marked by heightened campus tensions. Late September and early October are significant dates in Mexico’s student history, with the September 26 anniversary of the 2014 forced disappearances of 43 students from a teachers college in southern Mexico and the October 2 anniversary of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre, when students were killed by government forces in Mexico City. The confluence of these anniversaries with the recent violence only deepened the sense of crisis at UNAM.
In response to the escalating situation, the University Council’s security commission convened an urgent meeting on September 30, 2025, to address the growing security concerns. Rector Leonardo Lomelí, the university’s top administrator, publicly committed to ensuring the safety of the university community and to providing psychological support for students and staff affected by the turmoil. "We will take legal and disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for the threats," Lomelí pledged, as reported by AP. The rector’s promise was echoed by General Counsel Concha, who emphasized the university’s determination to confront the issues head-on. "Last week’s attack created a more problematic atmosphere, of high intensity, which has driven the university to directly confront and worry about addressing security issues," Concha stated.
The gravity of the situation also drew the attention of national leaders. On September 30, 2025, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the crisis during her daily news briefing. She announced plans to establish "safe spaces"—dedicated venues, both physical and online, where students can report threats or harassment without fear of reprisal. "My administration will propose the creation of safe spaces where students can report threats or other harassment in online platforms," Sheinbaum declared, signaling a new government focus on campus security and student well-being.
The university’s history with gender-based violence has been a persistent concern, and the current wave of threats has reignited longstanding debates about the safety of women in academic settings. The targeting of female professors—explicitly for their gender—has underscored the urgent need for institutional reforms and cultural change. While UNAM has established protocols for handling gender-based incidents and online harassment, the recent events have exposed gaps in the university’s ability to prevent and respond to such crises.
The "incel" connection in this case has also raised alarm bells among educators and security experts. The ideology, which has been linked to violent acts in other countries, is characterized by misogynistic beliefs and a sense of grievance among its adherents. According to AP and other outlets, UNAM’s leadership is now considering further steps to monitor online activity and intervene when warning signs arise. However, officials caution that the university alone cannot address the broader social issues that fuel such extremism.
For many students and faculty, the week’s events have been a stark reminder of the fragility of campus safety. The decision by so many departments to move classes online or shut down entirely reflects the depth of anxiety within the university community. "The attack last week created a high-intensity problematic atmosphere," Concha reiterated, noting that the administration is working closely with law enforcement and mental health professionals to support those affected.
The timing of the crisis could hardly be worse. The annual commemorations of past student tragedies already bring heightened emotion and activism to UNAM’s sprawling campuses. The latest violence and threats have added a new layer of tension, prompting calls for greater vigilance and solidarity. Student groups and faculty organizations have demanded accountability, not only for the recent threats but for the broader culture of impunity that they say allows gender-based violence to persist.
As the university grapples with the aftermath, there is a sense that the events of this week could mark a turning point. The commitments from Rector Lomelí and President Sheinbaum suggest that both the university and the government recognize the need for systemic change. Yet, as classes remain disrupted and investigations continue, the path forward remains uncertain. For now, UNAM’s students and staff are left to navigate a campus transformed by fear, resilience, and a renewed determination to demand safety and respect for all.
Amid the turmoil, the university’s response and the national conversation it has sparked may ultimately shape the future of campus security and gender equity in Mexico’s higher education system.
