Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Marx Arriaga left his position at the SEP because he refused to modify free textbooks, and was offered alternative positions including a Consulate.
In a recent statement, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that Marx Arriaga's departure from the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) was due to his unwillingness to agree to changes in the country's free educational textbooks. Sheinbaum highlighted that there were discussions around alternative roles for Arriaga, including a possible consular position, reflecting the government's appreciation for his previous contributions. The refusal to amend the textbooks was a sticking point that led to his exit.
Sheinbaum defended the government's commitment to the Nueva Escuela Mexicana initiative, emphasizing the importance of the educational materials and the positive role they play in stimulating critical questioning among students. She clarified misconceptions surrounding the textbooks, asserting that changes are intended to enhance their pedagogical quality rather than a complete overhaul. This stance aims to reassure educators that the textbooks will not be abolished but will evolve to meet contemporary educational needs.
The government's focus on educational reform and the adherence to a certain ideological stance reflect broader political dynamics in Mexico, where educational content is often tied to ideological battles. Sheinbaum's comments indicate not only an effort to maintain the integrity of the educational framework but also to address the demands of educators for additional resources, such as instructional guides for the textbooks, which can facilitate better teaching methods in the classroom.
