Overview

• Public schools began applying the new protocol on August 20, requiring a clean uniform, an “adequate” haircut and a respectful salute at entry.
• School directors were instructed to conduct gate inspections, with the ministry warning that failure to enforce the rules constitutes a serious administrative offense.
• Early checks were extensive: one San Salvador institute reviewed about 1,200 students on day one and issued roughly 320 admonitions for hair or uniform infractions.
• Barbershops reported heavy demand, and at least two municipal governments are offering free haircuts to help families meet the requirements.
• Teachers’ unions and human-rights advocates condemned what they call the militarization of education and potential burdens on poor families, as President Bukele publicly backed the policy on X.