Mexico Cancels Plan to Cut School Year for World Cup Following Backlash
Government decides to maintain original academic schedule amid opposition from parents and local authorities.
Mexico has canceled its plan to cut the school year ahead of the World Cup following widespread backlash from parents, think tanks, and local authorities.
The decision was unexpectedly announced by Education Secretary Mario Delgado on Friday, stating that the school year would end about 40 days early, on June 5, due to a heat wave.
However, President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that education and government officials will meet to gather input from parents and consider alternatives.
The academic year in Mexico is scheduled to end on July 15, followed by a six-week vacation until August 31.
The World Cup tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, begins on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.
Sheinbaum stated that the aim is to maintain a six-week vacation period and potentially adjust the start date for some students while keeping others on their original schedule.
The decision will be made through consensus, with a focus on gathering input from all parties involved.
Two states have already rejected the plan: Jalisco state will suspend classes only during World Cup games in Guadalajara, and Nuevo Leon state will maintain its original calendar.
Critics argue that shortening the school year could negatively impact students' education, as it would reduce effective learning time for the country's 23.4 million students.
Sheinbaum has also guaranteed the necessary conditions for security during the games and the completion of ongoing public works projects, such as additions to the Azteca stadium and the Mexico City International Airport.
The decision was unexpectedly announced by Education Secretary Mario Delgado on Friday, stating that the school year would end about 40 days early, on June 5, due to a heat wave.
However, President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that education and government officials will meet to gather input from parents and consider alternatives.
The academic year in Mexico is scheduled to end on July 15, followed by a six-week vacation until August 31.
The World Cup tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, begins on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.
Sheinbaum stated that the aim is to maintain a six-week vacation period and potentially adjust the start date for some students while keeping others on their original schedule.
The decision will be made through consensus, with a focus on gathering input from all parties involved.
Two states have already rejected the plan: Jalisco state will suspend classes only during World Cup games in Guadalajara, and Nuevo Leon state will maintain its original calendar.
Critics argue that shortening the school year could negatively impact students' education, as it would reduce effective learning time for the country's 23.4 million students.
Sheinbaum has also guaranteed the necessary conditions for security during the games and the completion of ongoing public works projects, such as additions to the Azteca stadium and the Mexico City International Airport.
