The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, announced on Monday that, just as order is being restored to the streets in response to public insecurity, it must also return to the country's schools and classrooms.
"A few weeks ago, I took part in the United Nations General Assembly, where I spoke about the importance of restoring order. Order is not just about the streets; it must also return to our schools and classrooms," Fujimori stated after presenting the new Guidelines for School Discipline Management.
In this regard, the Head of State explained that violence among students, assaults against educational community members, and behaviors that endanger the safety of children and adolescents "require a firm, timely, and responsible response."
Likewise, the top official explained that the draft guidelines could have been published directly in the Official Gazette El Peruano, but the Government wanted to give them due consideration and foster debate on the rules they want for children.
The President noted that the guidelines provide for proportionate sanctions and reprimands, applying a graduated approach to disciplinary measures.
"What matters here, and I am addressing young people, is that we will not allow a few ill-behaved students to undermine the education of the vast majority who come to learn and develop," she pointed out.
Moreover, the top official stated that expulsions will be reinstated, meaning that the most disruptive students "will not be allowed in the classrooms."
"Second, teachers must be respected. Previously, they could not reprimand students and were backed into a corner. Under these new regulations, they will be able to correct, guide, and help students, as well as reinstate conduct grades," she indicated.
Likewise, the President stated that "they will not tolerate or accept bullying, school violence, or sexual harassment."
"I urge young people to report these incidents to their teachers or school principal, because the individual responsible will immediately be referred to the Public Ministry. What will not happen is that we remain indifferent, and the victim must not be forced to leave the school," she stated.
At another point, the Head of State explained that these criteria will establish disciplinary standards at schools, ensuring a good education for all.
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