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New Education Minister Implements Strict School Discipline Measures
San Salvador – New Education Minister Karla Trigueros announced Monday that disciplinary measures will be enforced in schools across the country, effective Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The measures require students to adhere to a strict dress code and code of conduct upon entering school grounds.
According to a memorandum addressed to school directors, students must arrive at school in a “clean and tidy uniform, proper haircut and correct personal presentation, entering in order with a respectful greeting.” [[1]] Minister Trigueros published the memorandum on her social media accounts, where it was subsequently shared by President Nayib Bukele.
“This day I sent this memorandum for all directors of schools and institutes nationwide, so that they assume their role as models of order and discipline for our students. The measures will be effective as of wednesday, august 20,” Minister Trigueros wrote. [[2]]
President Bukele echoed the sentiment, stating, “To build El Salvador that we dream, it is indeed clear that we must wholly transform our educational system. God, union, freedom.”
The appointment of Captain Karla Trigueros, of the Salvadoran Armed Forces, as Education Minister last Thursday, August 14, has drawn criticism from the Salvadoran Teachers’ Front, a union representing public school teachers. The organization labeled the appointment as “aberrant” and expressed concerns about the potential militarization of the public education system. [[3]]
As Friday, Minister Trigueros has been visiting public schools in the Metropolitan, Paracentral, and Eastern regions of the country, while in her military uniform.
