Mexican archaeologists issue ultimatum, demand dialogue with Culture Secretary

A group of 120 archaeologists from across Mexico has issued an ultimatum to federal Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza, demanding immediate dialogue to address systemic problems hindering their work. They warn of protests at significant cultural sites, including the National Museum of Anthropology, if their concerns are not addressed.

The ultimatum, delivered via a letter on June 8, outlines critical issues impacting archaeological research and heritage protection. Archaeologist Sergio Gómez presented the letter to Curiel de Icaza during her visit to the remodeled Museum of Teotihuacan's Grandeur. Gómez stated that the secretary refused to sign for receipt of the document and instead directed INAH Director Omar Vázquez to handle the matter.

According to the letter, this direct approach to the Secretary of Culture stems from a lack of response from INAH Director Vázquez over the past six months, despite a broad request from researchers to discuss the crisis within the institute. The archaeologists are demanding discussions on the Chapter 3000 hiring system, budget allocations for the current and 2027 fiscal years, the functioning of the Archaeology Council, and administrative barriers to research.

If no response is received by July 22, the archaeologists plan to mobilize on July 25 and 26. The letter bears signatures from prominent figures in Mexican archaeology, including Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, Leonardo López Luján, Noemí Castillo, Luis López Wario, and Rosa Reyna Robles, underscoring the broad support for these demands.