Presidential House of El Salvador, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
On August 14, President Nayib Bukele appointed Captain and physician Karla Edith Trigueros as the new minister of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MINEDUCYT), becoming the first military officer to hold this position in more than half a century.
A military profile with experience in public health
Trigueros joined the Captain General Gerardo Barrios Military School in 2007 and completed his medical training at Alberto Masferrer University. He played significant roles at the Central Military Hospital and the Military Health Command (COSAM), while also leading the COVID-19 vaccination logistics, a role recognized by UNICEF and other organizations.
President Bukele presented her as the ideal person to transform the education system: "She has the quality standards that the new El Salvador will demand."
Mandatory disciplinary measures in public schools
On August 18, Trigueros sent a memorandum mandating, effective August 20, strict new rules for student admission to public schools: clean and tidy uniforms, appropriate haircuts, proper personal appearance, and a respectful and orderly entrance with a greeting.
School principals must personally supervise these regulations at the entrance gates every morning. Failure to comply will be considered a serious breach of administrative responsibility and may result in disciplinary action.
Reactions and concerns in El Salvador
Meanwhile, teachers' unions such as the Salvadoran Teachers' Front described the appointment as "aberrant" and warned of a possible militarization of public education.
Other unions expressed agreement with the order, but questioned the attribution of personal oversight functions to school principals, who have responsibilities defined by the Teaching Career Law.
Experts and human rights advocates express concern about the focus on discipline rather than comprehensive educational policies.
What should students and principals do now?
Students: Must attend class daily in a clean uniform, with an appropriate haircut, and a respectful attitude upon entering, with an orderly greeting.
School principals: They will take an active role in supervising entry, such as checking students' personal appearances and ensuring compliance with rules at the entrance gates. They must act as role models of discipline, hygiene, and good behavior. Failure to comply may be considered a serious offense.
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