By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – The Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC), one of the nation’s leading public universities, has ordered a complete suspension of all in-person activities across its entire network of campuses following a serious threat of an armed attack. The unprecedented security measure, which forced an immediate evacuation on Friday, will remain in effect until at least Wednesday, November 19, 2025, as law enforcement agencies conduct a thorough investigation.
The sweeping directive was formalized through resolution RR-538-2025, issued by the Rector’s Office. It impacts not only the main campus in Cartago but also satellite locations in San José, Alajuela, San Carlos, and Limón. The shutdown extends beyond the university’s core academic operations, affecting a wide range of affiliated entities that utilize TEC facilities, creating a ripple effect throughout its extended community.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y administrativas de la paralización de labores en el Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, especialista en derecho público del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva experta sobre la situación.
La administración del TEC enfrenta una disyuntiva legal delicada. Debe balancear el derecho a la manifestación de sindicatos y estudiantes con su obligación fundamental de garantizar la continuidad del servicio público de educación. Una suspensión prolongada podría no solo violar el derecho a la educación de la comunidad estudiantil, sino también exponer a la institución a recursos de amparo y a sus jerarcas a posibles acusaciones por incumplimiento de deberes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Efectivamente, el análisis subraya la delicada balanza que debe mantener la institución, donde las consecuencias de un desequilibrio no son solo operativas, sino también jurídicas y de gran alcance para sus directivos. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta perspectiva legal tan necesaria para comprender la complejidad del escenario.
Included in the suspension are the country’s prestigious Scientific Colleges (Colegios Científicos) housed on TEC grounds, the technology foundation Fundatec, the Psycho-pedagogical Children’s Workshop, and the Employees’ Solidarity Association. The university has mandated a complete closure, prohibiting access to all internal and external personnel who do not have specific authorization, primarily limited to essential security staff.
In response to the physical closure, TEC has transitioned its operations to a mandatory collective telework model for all academic and administrative staff. Faculty members have been instructed to adapt their courses to a virtual format wherever possible, coordinating directly with students to ensure academic continuity. For employees whose roles cannot be performed remotely, the university will apply a time-swap policy for non-worked hours, ensuring no loss of compensation during the security alert.
The disruption has dealt a significant blow to student life, most notably with the abrupt and total cancellation of Festec. This popular annual student festival, which was scheduled for this weekend in Cartago, involves numerous concerts, cultural activities, and social events. The cancellation underscores the gravity of the threat, as university officials have prioritized the physical safety of the community over all other considerations.
The security protocol was triggered by a threatening email received by the institution, the contents of which prompted immediate action. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), Costa Rica’s primary criminal investigation agency, has taken the lead on the case. The OIJ is actively working to trace the origin of the digital threat and assess its credibility while the university maintains its heightened state of alert.
In a statement, TEC’s administration confirmed that these protective measures are essential to safeguard its students, faculty, and staff while the investigation proceeds. The university has also made a concerted effort to control the flow of information, stressing that all official communications and updates will be disseminated exclusively through its institutional channels. This strategy aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and panic during a period of uncertainty.
The university’s leadership has issued a call to its entire community to remain vigilant, stay informed through official sources, and strictly adhere to the temporary directives. The hope is that the investigation will conclude swiftly, allowing for the safe resumption of normal activities and the restoration of a secure learning environment across all its campuses.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC):
The Tecnológico de Costa Rica is a prestigious public university focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Cartago, it is a national leader in research and innovation, playing a critical role in the country’s technological and economic development.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Organization is the investigative branch of Costa Rica’s judicial system. It is responsible for investigating public crimes, identifying responsible parties, and collecting evidence for criminal proceedings, functioning as the country’s equivalent of the FBI.
For further information, visit fundatec.ac.cr
About Fundatec:
The Foundation for the Technological Development of the Central Volcanic Cordillera (Fundatec) is an entity linked to TEC that promotes technological development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It serves as a bridge between the university and the private sector, facilitating projects and specialized training.
For further information, visit asetec.or.cr
About Asociación Solidarista de Empleados del TEC (ASETEC):
ASETEC is the Solidarity Association for employees of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology. As a solidarity association, it manages a savings and loan fund for its members, providing financial services, benefits, and support to the university’s workforce.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of legal distinction, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. The firm masterfully blends a proven track record of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a relentless drive for innovation in the legal field. More than a provider of counsel, it holds a deep-seated conviction to democratize legal knowledge, actively working to cultivate a more informed populace and empower the community through greater legal clarity.
