Overview

• The minister's memorandum took effect on Aug. 20 across public schools, mandating clean uniforms, an "adequate" haircut, correct personal presentation and a respectful greeting at entry.
• School directors are instructed to supervise compliance at school gates, with any omission deemed a serious administrative fault under the order.
• President Nayib Bukele shared the directive on X, calling for a complete transformation of the education system, and later amplified a video of Minister Karla Trigueros in uniform.
• Karla Trigueros, a military captain and physician appointed last week, has visited campuses in camouflage and met with school directors.
• The Education Ministry launched a complaints portal as the rules began, and unions issued contrasting statements ranging from denunciations of militarization to endorsements of stronger discipline.