rising Concerns Over School Violence in Cuba Following Student-Teacher Altercation
Recent incidents are raising alarms about escalating tensions and violence within Cuban schools. A reported altercation between a student and a teacher at the José Licourt domínguez high school in Havana has sparked discussion, alongside a separate incident involving students in Las Tunas.
The Havana incident,initially reported by journalist mario J. Pentón,involved a physical confrontation between a student and a teacher. While details remain limited, the father of the student involved publicly stated his belief that the teacher should not face expulsion, describing the educator as “very good” and acknowledging the incident “should not have happened.” He spoke on condition of anonymity.
Despite the altercation, no disciplinary measures are currently planned against the teacher, according to the father’s testimony. The incident prompted a wave of comments on social media, with many users agreeing the event was regrettable but praising the father’s outlook.Several commenters noted a pattern of disrespect towards teachers from students, with one stating it’s “common for some students to treat the teacher disrespectfully” and even resort to attacks. This commenter also highlighted the challenges facing educators in Cuba, suggesting a lack of support and protection contributes to a decline in individuals pursuing the profession.
Another social media user pointed out that similar events “unfortunately” occur in Cuban educational institutions, advocating for increased focus on values, ethics, and civic education, alongside stronger protections for both students and teachers.The comment also suggested that student behavior can be influenced by home environments and proposed considering temporary or permanent separation of students from the classroom in certain cases.
This incident follows a separate altercation in September at the “Wenceslao Rivero” Basic Secondary school in Las Tunas. There, a student injured another with a pencil, causing scratches to the face. The injured student received medical attention at the “Piti Fajardo” polyclinic and was confirmed to have no serious injuries. Local education officials stated that “analyses” were conducted with the students and their families, and disciplinary and administrative measures would be implemented to prevent future occurrences, though specifics were not disclosed.
Both incidents are fueling concerns among parents and the school community regarding rising tensions and violence in Cuban classrooms. the events are prompting renewed debate about the role of families, the need for institutional support for teachers, and the implementation of clear action and protection protocols within the Cuban educational system.