Analysis of El Salvador’s Educational Reform Under President Bukele
El Salvador is witnessing a significant reshaping of its educational landscape under President Nayib Bukele’s directives against what he terms “gender ideology.” The president has made it clear that concepts related to gender identity and sexual orientation are unwelcome in the nation’s schools. During a recent speech, he stated, “We are against their anti-natural, anti-God, anti-family ideologies. That does not fit in our schools.” This proclamation reflects a decisive pivot towards traditional values in public education, emphasizing what Bukele and his administration consider essential subjects—fundamentals like mathematics and biology—over ideological lessons.
The official removal of materials related to gender ideology has been endorsed by the Education Minister, signaling a top-down commitment to this policy. A memorandum from the Ministry of Education specifies that all educational content must abstain from mentioning gender ideology, threatening penalties for non-compliance. Bukele’s administration has been systematic in its approach. It has begun to eliminate inclusive language and the teaching of sexual orientation in educational settings since 2022—a move further accentuated by his recent re-election. Ministerial statements and social media responses indicate strong support among conservative constituents: “Bukele is being praised for absolutely NAILING IT on toxic LGBTQ ideology… Bukele is great!”
This sweeping policy marks a broader strategy by Bukele to fortify parental control over schooling and promote traditional values that resonate with many in his base. His administration has taken steps to reinforce the idea that parents should have a central role in determining educational content. At CPAC, he emphasized, “Parents should be informed and have a voice and vote in what their children are going to learn.” Such statements reinforce his positioning as a defender of cultural norms against perceived foreign influences.
The ramifications of these reforms extend beyond educational materials. Activist Celia Medrano criticized the administration’s tactics, suggesting that Bukele is leveraging religious sentiment for conservative control. She argues that the retreat from gender education threatens protections for marginalized communities in a nation grappling with high rates of gender-based violence. Alarming statistics indicate domestic and sexual violence against women. Critics assert that education about gender issues is vital for combating systemic violence.
Furthermore, Bukele’s actions could signify a retreat from constitutional commitments to human rights. Critics from international organizations like the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about encroachments on individual rights. They note that El Salvador’s Supreme Court has previously affirmed protections for sexual orientation and gender identity as constitutional rights. The consolidation of power under Bukele’s “Nuevas Ideas” party has created a political environment with minimal pushback against these controversial policies.
Despite potential backlash from human rights advocates and feminists, Bukele remains unfazed, buoyed by high approval ratings and a legislature that reflects his values. This solidified control allows him to implement sweeping reforms with little resistance. His commitment to a conservative agenda is evident in policies rejecting abortion and same-sex marriage. In Bukele’s own words, he asserts his vision of modernization: “Nobody is against modernization: what we are opposed to is the introduction of unnatural, anti-God, anti-family ideologies which have no place in our schools.”
The long-term effects of these educational policies on youth and societal framework in El Salvador remain uncertain. As the administration pushes forward, Bukele’s consolidation of traditionalist ideology continues to resonate with a substantial segment of the population. Whether this will foster a more robust foundation for children or further entrench societal biases is an open question. Regardless, Bukele’s assertive stance has positioned him as a celebrated figure among many conservative voters, both locally and internationally.
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