Mexico: Militarized Education Not Authorized, Education Secretary States

Mexico's Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, affirmed that militarized education is not legally permitted in the country, following the death of a student, Dafne Zapata, at such an academy. Delgado emphasized that neither the SEP nor the National Defense Secretariat authorizes these modalities.

The SEP has formally communicated with state authorities, who hold the responsibility for issuing permits and authorizations for school operations. Delgado stated that a directive was sent to all state authorities last Friday, urging them to review schools offering this type of education. He noted that the "New Mexican School" approach is founded on human rights and substantive equality, contrasting with the militarized model.

“

The law does not authorize any type of militarized education. Neither the Secretariat of Education nor the National Defense authorize these modalities.

Delgado confirmed that the SEP is in contact with educational authorities in Tamaulipas, where the incident occurred, and is attempting to reach Zapata's mother. He clarified that these schools are not prohibited but rather "not permitted," and called for a nationwide review to ensure no other institutions are operating under this unauthorized modality. Five such schools were identified in Tamaulipas and will have their permits immediately reviewed.

“

It's not that they are prohibited, it's that they are not permitted.