El Salvador Mandates Strict School Discipline, Haircuts as President Bukele Targets 'Woke Bullshit'

SAN SALVADOR – El Salvador's public schools have implemented a new set of stringent disciplinary measures, including mandatory "appropriate haircuts" and uniform inspections, a move championed by President Nayib Bukele as essential for national transformation. The policy, enforced since August 20, 2025, by newly appointed Education Minister Karla Trigueros, a military captain, aims to instill order and civic values in students.

The directive requires principals at the nation's more than 5,100 public schools to greet students daily, ensuring they adhere to "clean and tidy uniforms" and display "respectful greetings." For boys, this specifically entails closely cropped, military-style haircuts, leading to increased demand at local barbershops. Failure to comply with these new regulations can result in disciplinary action for school administrators.

President Bukele, known for his social media presence, publicly endorsed the changes, stating on X, formerly Twitter, that "to build the El Salvador we dream of, it's clear we must completely transform our educational system." He further linked these measures to a broader cultural stance, asserting in a recent tweet, > "The same people who protest El Salvador’s public school policy of proper haircuts and basic manners are okay with this woke bullshit. If you also think like that, you’ve been brainwashed."

This statement aligns with Bukele's previous criticisms of "gender theory," which he has removed from public school curricula, signaling a broader ideological push against what he perceives as "woke" influences. His administration has gained significant popularity for its aggressive crackdown on gangs, which has drastically reduced crime rates but also drawn international scrutiny over human rights concerns and democratic erosion.

While some parents have expressed support for the new rules, viewing them as beneficial for instilling discipline, teachers' unions have voiced apprehension. The Salvadoran Teachers' Front described Minister Trigueros's appointment and the new rules as a "regrettable militarization" of education, reminiscent of the country's past military dictatorships. Human rights advocates also warn that strict dress codes could burden families with limited financial resources.

The government's emphasis on discipline extends beyond appearance, with schools now required to hold weekly "Civic Mondays." These half-hour events include flag ceremonies, the national anthem, and student presentations on historical figures, further integrating national identity and discipline into the educational framework. Critics, however, view these policies as part of a growing authoritarian trend under Bukele's leadership.