The Salvadoran government introduced a dress and hairstyle code for schools this week, aimed at promoting discipline and civic values among students. This new regulation took effect on Wednesday, mandating that students appear in tidy uniforms and maintain appropriate hairstyles. Additionally, students are expected to enter school in an orderly fashion and greet others respectfully.
This directive was among the first enacted by El Salvador’s newly appointed Minister of Education, Cara Trigueros, who was appointed last week by President Nayib Bukele. Trigueros shared the memorandum outlining these guidelines on social media.
“To create the El Salvador we aspire to, a transformation of the education system is essential,” Trigueros emphasized, recounting the national motto in a message earlier this week.
She conveyed that the initiative is about reinstating courtesy and patriotism in schools. The goal is to nurture each student’s understanding of citizenship as part of a broader education that encompasses respect beyond academics.
The memorandum designates school principals as key figures responsible for enforcing the dress code, ensuring they model order and discipline for students and staff. Starting on August 20, school leaders must greet students at entrances to confirm compliance with these new standards.
On Friday, the Ministry of Education shared images of Trigueros visiting various schools to check adherence to the dress code.
Javier Hernandez, head of the local private schools union, commended the initiative, advocating that it would reinforce internal regulations within private institutions and help regain authority. He stated that strict enforcement of the regulations, particularly concerning hairstyles and makeup, is now a priority.
The Salvadoran newspaper, La Prensa Grafica, reported that Hernandez acknowledged the importance of discipline and order but voiced concerns about placing the responsibility solely on principals, as this contradicts established regulations in the Education Career Act.
Another union representative noted, “We agree with discipline, but there are concerns about how these measures are enacted, particularly with some agencies inventing rules that don’t legally exist.”
On Thursday, Trigueros announced plans for “Civic Mondays” to promote national identity and discipline beginning September 1, incorporating activities like training in order and the singing of the national anthem.
Trigueros also noted that schools would receive funds for buying flags and related items for these civic ceremonies.
Uniform codes have long been a standard practice across El Salvador and Latin America, with variations in enforcement between countries. In some places, such as Peru, uniforms are not compulsory in public schools, while in Venezuela, specific uniform colors are mandated depending on grade level.
In a message on social media, Bukele urged that systemic change in education is necessary to build a country deserving of its citizens. He stressed the importance of leadership and commitment in this endeavor.
