Ayuso wins the battle to keep her academic record under lock and key: the Complutense admits "general interest" but refuses to publish it

The Universidad Complutense de Madrid has decided to keep Isabel Díaz Ayuso's subjects and grades reserved after three years of administrative procedures, judicial appeals, and allegations from the president herself. The institution admits that there is a general interest in verifying the truthfulness of her curriculum, although it ultimately prioritizes the protection of her personal data.

The resolution, advanced by journalist Marta Gutiérrez in 'Newtral.es', also recognizes that the requested information is not part of the categories of specially protected data. The Complutense considers, however, that public interest only extends to the degrees that Ayuso has decided to include on her official pages and leaves out the grades that would allow examining her academic record.

The request also did not ask for personal documents unrelated to her studies or indiscriminate access to her entire university record. It requested the list of subjects taken and the grades obtained during her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and the postgraduate training included in the curriculum of the PP leader.

Ayuso filed allegations to prevent the delivery. The president argued that her grades "bear no relation whatsoever" to the activity of the Community of Madrid, its public services, or the management of public funds and defended that access corresponds exclusively to the holder of the record. The university has ended up accepting that argument despite recognizing its public relevance.

Three years of appeals to end up before another closed door

The request was submitted in February 2023, a few days after Ayuso received the distinction of 'illustrious alumna' from the Faculty of Information Sciences. The Community of Madrid initially rejected access and argued that the academic record was not a requirement to hold the regional presidency.

The then Transparency Council partially upheld 'Newtral.es''s claim. The body also did not order the publication of the grades, but determined that the regional government should transfer the request to the Complutense, the institution that holds the information. Ayuso's Executive appealed that decision before the High Court of Justice of Madrid, paralyzing the procedure during the following years.

The court finally confirmed that it was up to the university to resolve the request. The file formally arrived at the UCM on June 26, and Ayuso was given a deadline to submit allegations. The resolution now known again prevents access, although it can still be appealed before the Transparency and Data Protection Council of the Community of Madrid.

During the procedure, the Madrid transparency system also changed. The absolute majority of the PP approved at the end of 2023 the disappearance of the previous Council, attached to the Assembly, and its replacement by the current body, dependent on the regional Executive. The appeal filed by the Community had the effect of delaying for almost three years a decision that has finally kept the grades out of public scrutiny.

An exceptional recognition and a curriculum with different versions

The origin of the request is especially relevant. The official report of the Faculty of Information Sciences reveals that the other seven illustrious students of 2023 were selected after consultations with departments, academic units, and the dean's team, before receiving the approval of the Faculty Board. Ayuso arrived at the same event by a direct proposal from the then rector, Joaquín Goyache.

The justification collected by the university itself also did not allude to her grades. The UCM highlighted that she was the first graduate of the faculty to reach the Presidency of an autonomous community. The Complutense now uses that grades are not necessary to hold that position, although the request arose precisely to know the academic merits that accompanied a distinction granted by the university.

The Transparency Portal of the Community of Madrid presents Ayuso as a graduate in Journalism, with a Diploma of Advanced Studies and a Master's in Political Communication and Protocol. This last degree already caused doubts in 2023. The Seneca Institute then explained to 'ElPlural.com' that Ayuso had completed a protocol course and a different master's in Corporate Communication, while the institutional pages maintained another denomination. The Madrid government rejected that information and even warned about possible legal actions.

The Complutense's refusal leaves those grades reserved and prolongs an opacity that began with the first request in 2023. Ayuso retains the possibility of voluntarily publishing her grades and clearing up any doubts about her academic record. So far, she has chosen to file appeals to prevent access.