The Federal Government will suspend dialogue with the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) until CNTE teachers return to class, warned Education Secretary Aurelio Nuño Tuesday.
In the Military Camp 37-C in San Miguel de los Jagüeyes in Huehuetoca, Nuño and officials of the National Defense Secretariat inaugurated three sections of basic education for children of those who serve in the military. The National Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos Cepeda said that efforts intend to improve the education system.
“Our system of education evolves and is improved by the education reforms,” he said. “It is a constitutional mandate and as citizens we are obligated to obey the law.”
“Under no condition will we continue conversations with the CNTE while they continue to cancel classes,” added Nuño. “Why? Because the education of children in Mexico is non-negotiable.”
Nuño insisted that the education reform continue and even be made more comprehensive.
“The success of the dreams of students cannot be used in these negotiations nor can they be subject to the interests of handful of individuals.” He said.
Nuño argued that because of the strikes, students were no longer afforded the same opportunities.
“It is disappointing that in some states, particularly Oaxaca and Chiapas, many of the children did not have the opportunity to return to school,” he added.
Governor of the State of Mexico Eruviel Ávila added that the teachers on strike had rights, but that those rights should not be placed above those of thousands of school children.
“It is constitutionally their right to protest and strike; however, they cannot abuse this right and leave children without access to education,” he said.
GUILLERMO ESPINOSA