Following the death of a female student, the Education Ministry (SEP) ordered all so-called “military schools” shuttered by Aug. 31.

Furthermore, Education Minister Mario Delgado said such schools must immediately reimburse payments made for outstanding educational services, such as re-enrollment fees, school supplies and uniforms.

President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Delgado’s decision, while lamenting the 13-year-old girl’s death. “What happened in Tamaulipas is very sad,” she said. “Abuses occurring under the pretext of discipline cannot be allowed.”

The SEP resolution comes after the July 16 death of Dafne Zapata, who died during a summer camp at Marina Doenitz Military Academy in the state of Tamaulipas.

Dafne’s death prompted immediate demands for justice from family and friends, eventually leading to the arrest of three alleged perpetrators. 

That day, Dafne’s mother was informed that her daughter was suffering from a cough and dehydration, only to be told minutes later that she had died.

An autopsy refuted the academy’s conflicting claims about Dafne’s death — sudden circulatory failure and accidental death were cited — indicating that she died from drowning.

Medical examiners also found bruises and signs of recent physical abuse, prompting the authorities to rule out natural causes and classify the case as femicide.

Soon thereafter, prosecutors arrested Jorge Luis Ponce Ortega, the school’s director, Estrellita Mora Díaz, a supervisor, and 18-year-old Danna Yanina, a teaching assistant.

Former students of the academy criticized the arrest of Yanina, staging a protest while proclaiming that she was another victim who was forced to carry out “disciplinary measures.”

The SEP has ordered a comprehensive review of all 31 military-style academies in the country, with Delgado saying, “There can be no true educational transformation if expressions of violence are permitted.”

The edict requires all 32 state education ministries to thoroughly review the authorizations, permits and Official Recognition of Studies they’ve granted and shutter all military-style schools and institutions.

Additionally, Delgado instructed local education authorities to order the immediate delivery of school documentation to students affected by this measure, including full or partial certificates of studies to guarantee the continuity of their education and to facilitate their incorporation into other educational institutions.

Dafne’s mother, Alejandra Quintos, this week proposed legislation to address security and safety issues at military-style institutions. The so-called Dafne Law would establish controls, security protocols and oversight mechanisms for military academies, summer camps and other such organizations, whether public or private.

With reports from El País, El Economista, La Jornada and Animal Político