An incident of public disorder at the ESBU Juan Santander school in Cabaiguán, located in the province of Sancti Spíritus, resulted in the arrest of several family members who stormed the school and attacked a staff member. According to the Facebook page "Mi lealtad acrisolada," which supports the regime, the altercation unfolded earlier this week following a rough play incident among seventh-grade students, involving a student known for behavioral issues.
The situation escalated when relatives of one of the affected children entered the school during the morning assembly, visibly upset, and hurled insults and obscenities at both students and teachers. The conflict turned physical when they assaulted a staff member attempting to calm the situation. Authorities promptly intervened, and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) detained those responsible, who will now face legal consequences for their actions within the educational institution.
After the incident, discussions were held with the local Education Department to assess the underlying causes of the student's behavior and to determine appropriate disciplinary measures to address it. The regime-affiliated Facebook page that reported the news dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the use of machetes or knives during the altercation. They also emphasized the importance of families instilling values of peaceful coexistence in children.
In recent months, there have been several incidents raising concerns about school safety in Cuba. Just this Wednesday, an armed man attempted to enter a secondary school in Cienfuegos, causing panic among students and teachers. This incident is part of a series of recent events highlighting violence in educational settings.
In September 2024, a student was injured in a Santiago de Cuba secondary school, sparking outrage within the community. Similarly, in March of the same year, a mother faced accusations of encouraging her daughter to fight in a Havana secondary school, highlighting the growing worry over adolescent violence.
Although these cases do not reflect the general state of Cuba's educational system, they do signal a perception of insecurity in some schools, prompting concerns among parents and educators about the need to strengthen preventive and protective measures in educational environments.
Concerns About School Safety in Cuba
What led to the family members' arrest at the ESBU Juan Santander school?
Family members were arrested after they stormed the school, launched insults, and physically assaulted a staff member following an incident involving rough play among students.
How did the authorities respond to the incident at the Cabaiguán school?
Authorities acted quickly, with the Ministry of the Interior detaining those responsible for the disruption, who will now face legal proceedings.
Are incidents of violence common in Cuban schools?
While recent incidents have heightened concerns, they do not represent the overall reality of the Cuban educational system. However, they have sparked discussions on enhancing security measures in schools.