El Salvador Schools Enforce Strict Military-Style Discipline, Sparking Debate

Public schools across El Salvador have begun implementing strict new disciplinary measures this week, mandating military-style haircuts for boys, immaculate uniforms, and formal greetings. The sweeping changes, ordered by the newly appointed Minister of Education, military captain Karla Trigueros, are part of President Nayib Bukele’s broader agenda to restore order and transform the nation’s educational system.

Beginning August 20, principals in more than 5,100 public schools are required to conduct daily checks for adherence to these rules. Boys must maintain closely cropped hair, and all students are expected to arrive in clean, tidy uniforms, greeting teachers respectfully and entering classrooms in an orderly manner. Non-compliance by principals will be considered a serious administrative breach, according to the minister’s memorandum.

In addition to daily inspections, a subsequent directive from Minister Trigueros mandates weekly “Civic Mondays.” These half-hour events, designed to strengthen national identity and civic values, will include flag ceremonies, the singing of the national anthem, a prayer, and student presentations on historical figures or events. Each school is set to receive $300 to cover related expenses.

The new rules, which build on previously unenforced appearance guidelines, have led to a surge in barbershop visits and widespread social media posts by students documenting their haircuts. While the Bukele administration defends the measures as crucial for discipline and creating the “El Salvador we dream of,” they have drawn criticism from some teachers’ unions.

The Salvadoran Teachers’ Front, in a statement last week, decried Trigueros’ August 14 appointment and the subsequent policies as a “regrettable militarization” of education, evoking memories of the country’s past military dictatorships. They expressed concerns about potential increases in abuses against both students and teachers. Conversely, another union voiced support for the government’s goal but called for amendments to child protection laws they believe hinder effective discipline.

President Bukele, popular for his crackdown on gangs, which significantly reduced criminal violence, has taken on a more formal public persona in his second term. His administration, however, faces accusations of increasing authoritarianism, with some anti-corruption organizations leaving the country citing escalating repression.

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