El Salvador Schools Crack Down on Haircuts with Military Routines

New Discipline Measures in El Salvador’s Public Schools

El Salvador has introduced a series of strict new rules in its public schools, aimed at enforcing military-style discipline. These measures include daily inspections for short haircuts and neat uniforms, as well as weekly "Civic Monday" drills. The changes were mandated by the country's new education minister, Karla Trigueros, a high-ranking military officer.

The new regulations require students to maintain clean and tidy uniforms, with boys wearing closely cropped haircuts. Principals must greet students at the entrance of over 5,100 public schools, ensuring that they enter in an orderly manner with respectful greetings. Failure to comply could result in serious administrative consequences for school principals.

The rules also emphasize the importance of personal presentation and discipline among students. They are required to approach the entrance in an orderly fashion, greet teachers respectfully, and maintain a disciplined posture. While some of these appearance rules already existed, they had not been strictly enforced until now. As a result, barbershops across the country have experienced long lines, and many students have shared videos of themselves getting their hair cut.

In addition to the daily requirements, the new education minister has mandated weekly "Civic Mondays" throughout the school year. These events aim to strengthen national identity, civic values, and discipline. Each session includes the raising and lowering of the national flag, singing the national anthem, a prayer to the flag, and a student presentation on a historical figure or event. Schools will receive $300 (€255) to cover expenses such as flags, gloves for flag bearers, and other related needs.

Why Are These Changes Happening Now?

Karla Trigueros, a doctor and army captain, was appointed as the new education minister by President Nayib Bukele on August 14. She issued the memorandum on August 20, outlining the new rules. Trigueros, who often appears in a camouflage uniform, has described the measures as part of a "strengthening of discipline." Bukele echoed her stance on social media, stating that transforming schools is necessary to build "the El Salvador we dream of."

However, the move has sparked controversy. One of El Salvador's main teachers' unions, the Salvadoran Teachers' Front, has criticized the appointment, calling it a "regrettable militarization" of education. The union expressed concerns that the already existing abuses of power against students and teachers may increase under these new rules.

Another union, the El Salvador Public School Teachers Union, has shown some support for the government's order but called for changes to laws protecting children that they believe hinder discipline. Paz Zetino Gutiérrez, the union's secretary, noted that many teachers had been reported and punished for attempting to maintain order in schools.

President Bukele, who took office in 2019 and was re-elected in 2024, is known for his "war" on gangs, which has led to a significant reduction in criminal violence. Many Salvadoran schools previously faced harassment from gang members, making the need for stricter discipline a point of contention.

Despite his popularity, the Bukele administration has faced accusations of becoming increasingly authoritarian. Last month, the Cristosal group, a leading anti-corruption organization, announced it had been forced to leave El Salvador due to "escalating repression."

These new rules in El Salvador's schools reflect a broader effort to impose discipline and order, but they have also raised concerns about the potential impact on students and teachers. As the country continues to navigate this shift, the debate over the role of military influence in education remains a critical issue.