On May 19, 2025, two drivers struck a group of Universidad del Valle students during a demonstration against the recent murder of a classmate. Four students were injured.

Video footage from the incident shows a large number of students and other protesters blocking a main road near the capitol building when a car drove directly into the crowd, injuring two students. About an hour later, a second vehicle drove into the group, injuring two more students.

University administrators filed a complaint with the police calling for an investigation into the attack.

The incident occurred amid escalating protests across the Universidad del Valle system that followed a May 8 shooting during which a man opened fire on two female students, killing one and seriously wounding the other. In response, students engaged in demonstrations calling for stronger protections for women students.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about a violent attack on student protesters. Members of the public must refrain from violence and respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression, and university authorities must take reasonable measures to ensure safe conditions for living, learning, and expression for students. In addition to harm to the immediate victims, violent attacks on students undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/05/20/tres-estudiantes-de-la-universidad-del-valle-fueron-embestidos-por-dos-vehiculos-en-medio-de-manifestaciones/
https://www.noticiasrcn.com/colombia/camioneta-arrollo-a-estudiantes-de-la-u-del-valle-en-medio-de-protesta-892517
https://www.elespectador.com/colombia/cali/atropellaron-a-tres-estudiantes-durante-planton-en-universidad-del-valle-en-cali/