The state government of Zacatecas is refusing to comply with a federal order to close its militarized and police-affiliated high schools.
This standoff represents a significant clash between state and federal authorities over the legitimacy of military-style education in Mexico. The federal government seeks to dismantle these models following allegations of abuse, while state officials argue the schools are essential for local stability.
The Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) issued the closure order in early 2024 [1]. The federal agency based its decision on concerns regarding the militarized model, specifically highlighting the high-profile case of student Dafne Zapata [2].
Zacatecas education authorities and state officials have defended the continuation of the program. They said the schools are vital for the region and have maintained a clean record, reporting zero incidents since 2019 [1].
Currently, these militarized bachilleratos serve approximately 700 students [1]. State officials said the schools provide a structured environment that benefits the youth in the region, a necessity they believe outweighs the federal mandate.
Similar resistance has been noted in other regions, as officials in Aguascalientes have also rejected the federal order to shut down their militarized high schools [2]. The SEP continues to push for the removal of military and police influence from the secondary education system to prevent human rights violations.
“Zacatecas is refusing to comply with a federal order to close its militarized and police-affiliated high schools.”
The conflict highlights a deeper ideological divide in Mexico regarding the role of security forces in civil institutions. While the federal government views the militarization of schools as a risk to human rights—exemplified by the Dafne Zapata case—state governments in Zacatecas and Aguascalientes view these institutions as necessary tools for discipline and education in volatile regions.
