President Nayib Bukele posted a video on his X account showing a violent protest that broke out at the Industrial Technical Institute (INTI) in February 2010, when more than 700 students clashed with teachers after the removal of their director, Óscar Melara.
The footage shows students forcing teachers to suspend classes, chanting “The INTI united will never be divided,” and throwing rocks amid insults. Some students were captured making well-known gang hand signs, a stark reminder of the influence that criminal groups once held inside public schools. At the time, students accused the Ministry of Education of trying to replace the director with Vice Principal Salvador Jacobo, who they claimed imposed excessive disciplinary measures. One student stated, “The vice principal harasses us and abuses his powers.”
Bukele used the video to reflect on how deeply gangs had infiltrated schools in the past. “This is how our schools used to be in El Salvador: recruitment centers for gang members. And they weren’t just any gangs, but the most bloodthirsty in the world,” he wrote. He also recalled the tragic consequences of those years, noting, “Today, many mothers weep for their children in prison; others, for those in the cemetery or still missing.”
The president stressed that new disciplinary measures in schools are essential to avoid repeating this dark chapter. “Disciplinary measures in schools are meant to prevent this tragedy from happening again. They say that those who do not know their history are condemned to repeat it. El Salvador will not repeat it, no matter how much they criticize us,” Bukele affirmed.
The government recently announced regulations promoting courtesy and respect in classrooms, requiring students to practice basic expressions such as “Good morning,” “Please,” and “Thank you.” According to authorities, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure schools become safe, respectful environments where education—not violence—shapes the next generation.