In recent weeks, Spain has been discussing an unusual decision made by the leadership of the Universitat de Lleida (UdL). One of the restrooms on the first floor of the Rectorate building was fitted with blue lights instead of the usual white ones. The reason: an attempt to stop people from using the facility for injecting drugs. For university students and staff, this has been an unexpected move that could shift the perception of safety on campus.
As noted by El Pais, the problem arose because the restroom, located in a busy area near the parking lot and tunnel, became accessible not only to students but also to outsiders. Open doors at the Rectorate throughout the academic day and the lack of entrance control made this spot popular among people with no connection to the university. As a result, according to UdL representatives, in recent weeks they have repeatedly observed a person coming specifically to use drugs.
Blue light as a barrier
Changing the lighting is more than just a cosmetic update. Blue light makes it harder to see veins, which complicates injections and discourages drug users. This approach has already been used in other university buildings, such as the medical faculty, where a similar issue was addressed the same way. According to Vice-Rector for Sustainable Campus Mariona Farré, this method was chosen as a quick and effective way to protect the university community and preserve public spaces.
According to El Pais, such measures are becoming increasingly relevant for urban universities, especially when the buildings are located in central areas with open access. In UdL’s case, its proximity to the historic center of Lleida and the lack of security checkpoints have made the problem particularly acute. Local residents have repeatedly complained about a rise in public drug use, highlighting the need for new solutions.
Accessibility and risks
The restroom where blue lights were installed is especially accessible: anyone can enter directly from the street without any checks. This has drawn attention not only from students but also from people seeking hidden spots to use illegal substances. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, similar situations occur in other Spanish cities where university buildings remain open to the public.
Introducing blue lighting is not the only measure universities are considering. In some cases, they are discussing implementing access control systems or even temporarily closing certain areas. However, such steps may spark discontent among students who value freedom of movement and the campus’s open atmosphere. It’s important to strike a balance between security and accessibility to avoid creating additional barriers for law-abiding visitors.
Reaction and consequences
UdL’s decision generated widespread response among students and staff. Many supported the initiative, seeing it as necessary to protect public spaces. Others voiced concerns that such measures might offer only a temporary solution and that drug users would simply move elsewhere. According to El Pais, the university administration does not rule out further steps if the situation does not improve.
Interestingly, similar issues of accessibility and control at public buildings have already been raised in Spain. For example, the country’s Supreme Court recently required a political party to pay property tax on its headquarters in Barcelona, which also touches on questions of openness and the use of urban spaces. More about this decision can be found in the article on tax changes for parties in Barcelona.
Context and experience of other cities
In recent years, Spain and other European countries have increasingly adopted unconventional measures to address drug use in public spaces. Blue lights are being installed not only in universities, but also at train stations, public toilets, and even some hospitals. This approach helps make certain locations less appealing for people with drug addictions, without imposing strict restrictions on other citizens.
In Barcelona and Madrid, similar measures have already shown some effectiveness, although they have not fully resolved the problem. In some cases, the installation of blue lighting has led to a decrease in incidents related to drug use, but some individuals simply moved to other, less monitored areas. Nevertheless, such initiatives are becoming part of comprehensive strategies to improve safety in cities and educational institutions.
