El Salvador's Controversial School Dress Code Sparks Debate

In El Salvador, Technical School Director Oscar Melara enforces the nation's new education minister, Karla Trigueros' directive, which empowers schools to penalize dress code violations. The military-style guidelines sparked local media frenzy and opposition from teachers' groups, highlighting broader tensions under President Nayib Bukele's government reforms.

In El Salvador, the head of a technical school, Oscar Melara, stands at the forefront of enforcing new dress codes as students enter the campus. He inspects for various infractions, from missing monograms to inappropriate hairstyles, aligning with education minister Karla Trigueros' recent directive.

The new policy empowers schools to mark down grades or impose community service on non-compliant students, creating waves in local media. Barber shops experienced a surge in demand as students rushed to comply, while President Nayib Bukele supported the guidelines, banning styles like the mohawk and 'Edgar cut.'

While the president boasts popularity due to a significant crime reduction, opposition arises from educators who criticize a military figure's role in education. Critics express concerns on the implications of Bukele's broader political maneuvers, further fueled by recent constitutional reforms extending presidential terms.

(With inputs from agencies.)