This week, school principals across El Salvador began greeting students individually at school entrances, checking not only for polite morning greetings but also inspecting haircuts and uniforms. This initiative is part of President Nayib Bukele’s broader strategy to reintroduce discipline into schools, which were historically targeted by powerful gangs for recruitment.
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Education Minister Leads the Initiative
Education Minister Karla Trigueros, an Army captain and physician, is spearheading the enforcement of these rules. She visits schools in uniform, ensuring principals implement the standards effectively. On Monday, Trigueros sent a memo instructing principals to act as role models, monitor student appearance, and enforce clean uniforms, “appropriate” haircuts, and formal greetings. Failure to comply could be considered a “serious lack of administrative responsibility.”
Renewed Focus Sparks Nationwide Response
While the rules already existed, they were rarely enforced. The renewed focus has led to long lines at barbershops, with boys receiving neat high-and-tight haircuts. Many students posted videos online showing compliance, illustrating the rapid impact of the initiative.
President Bukele, who initially preferred casual attire such as baseball caps and jeans, has adopted a more formal style during his second term. He shared the memo on X, stating: “To build the El Salvador we dream of, it’s clear we must completely transform our educational system.”
Parental Support for the Policy
Parents have largely welcomed the new measures. María Barrera, observing her son at the Concha Viuda de Escalon school, said: “I feel like it’s good; that’s how you straighten them out from a young age.” María Segovia, who hurriedly dropped off her son on her way to work, added: “I didn’t know, but my son came clean, though a little hairy. We’re going to comply because it’s good.”
Tackling Gang Influence in Schools
Many parents view the policy as part of Bukele’s broader crackdown on gang influence. For decades, gangs dominated neighborhoods, recruiting schoolchildren and intimidating teachers who tried to impose discipline. More than 88,000 individuals suspected of gang activity have been imprisoned under Bukele’s administration. Parent Ramon Valladares said: “Now that the government is putting things in order, maybe people might not like it, right? But families like ours are open-minded about any situation. For me, it’s great.”
Students Adjust to Stricter Rules
Students are gradually adjusting to the stricter standards. One student, identified only as Juan, was singled out for not wearing a school insignia on his shirt. “I promised to bring it tomorrow,” he explained. “I thought it wasn’t so serious, and I put on another shirt.” Vicky Alvarado, principal at Francisco Menéndez National Institute, emphasized that students are never denied entry: “The students always get in; what we do is call attention so they comply.”
Concerns About Gang Resurgence
The government has raised concerns that gangs are attempting to regain influence in schools. In June, authorities arrested more than 40 students at three public schools in San Salvador for suspected gang-related activity.
Teachers’ Perspectives
Teachers’ unions generally support the new guidance but stress that legal adjustments are necessary to protect educators. Paz Zetino Gutiérrez, secretary of the El Salvador Public School Teachers Union, noted: “Many teachers, in a desire to achieve order and discipline in schools, were reported and punished.” She emphasized that the union supports the policy as long as it aligns with legal protections for students and teachers.
International Comparisons and Criticism
Similar debates over regulating hairstyles in schools have emerged in the United States, where rules were criticized for disproportionately affecting students of color and restricting cultural or religious expression. Human rights lawyer Jayme Magaña criticized the Trigueros memo, warning that strict appearance standards could burden families with limited resources. “If moms can’t pay the barbershop, don’t have running water, electricity to iron, or haven’t bought shoes, imagine their situation,” Magaña wrote on X.
Despite criticism, Bukele defended the initiative, dismissing detractors as “haters” in a post on X and highlighting students’ admiration for Minister Trigueros, including videos of girls asking for her autograph.
Symbolic and Practical Impacts
The policy represents a broader cultural and administrative shift in El Salvador’s education system. By enforcing dress codes and grooming standards, schools reinforce order, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Social media has amplified the impact, with students sharing images and videos of compliance. The initiative has also boosted local businesses, such as barbershops and uniform suppliers, showing its economic ripple effects.
Linking Discipline to National Objectives
Bukele’s approach reflects a governance trend of connecting small, everyday actions to national objectives. By tying student discipline to societal stability, the administration frames education reform as a cornerstone of public security. Parents who lived under gang-controlled neighborhoods see this as a positive change.
Challenges and Considerations
Critics caution that overemphasis on appearance may overshadow other aspects of education, including curriculum quality, teacher support, and mental health initiatives. Balancing discipline with empathy will be essential to ensure the policy supports students’ holistic development.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the new school uniform policy in El Salvador?
The policy requires students to wear clean and neat uniforms, maintain “appropriate” haircuts, and greet school staff formally. Principals are responsible for enforcing these rules at school entrances.
Why has El Salvador introduced strict dress codes for students?
The government aims to restore discipline in schools, create a safe learning environment, and reduce the historical influence of gangs that previously recruited schoolchildren.
Who is enforcing the new rules?
Education Minister Karla Trigueros, an Army captain and physician, oversees the initiative. School principals monitor compliance daily at school entrances.
What happens if students or principals don’t comply?
Students are called to correct their appearance, and principals who fail to enforce the standards may face accusations of “serious lack of administrative responsibility.”
How have parents responded to the policy?
Many parents support the initiative, viewing it as a way to instill discipline and order from a young age. Some have also taken their children to barbershops to comply with haircut requirements.
Are students punished for minor infractions like missing insignias or small uniform mistakes?
Students are not denied entry. Principals call attention to minor infractions to encourage compliance rather than punish students harshly.
Has the policy faced any criticism?
Yes. Critics argue that strict uniform and haircut rules may burden families with limited resources. Some human rights experts warn that such rules could disproportionately affect low-income households.
Conclusion
In summary, El Salvador’s strict enforcement of school uniforms and grooming standards reflects a decisive effort to restore discipline and order in the country’s schools. Under the guidance of President Nayib Bukele and Education Minister Karla Trigueros, principals actively monitor student appearance, ensuring compliance with clean uniforms, appropriate haircuts, and formal greetings. While the policy has drawn some criticism over potential economic and social challenges, it enjoys strong parental support and signals a broader commitment to reducing gang influence and fostering a safe, structured learning environment.
