Goodbye, Marx Arriaga: Poet Nadia López Appointed as New Director of Free Textbooks at SEP
Nadia López García has been appointed as the new director of free textbooks at Mexico's Secretariat of Education, replacing Marx Arriaga amid disagreements over curriculum changes.
The Mexican Secretariat of Education (SEP) has appointed poet Nadia López García as the new director of free textbooks, following the dismissal of Marx Arriaga due to significant disagreements with Secretary Mario Delgado. Arriaga’s tenure was marked by contention regarding proposed changes to educational materials, particularly the inclusion of women's contributions in historical narratives, which he opposed.
Secretary Delgado announced the decision on February 16, emphasizing López's background as a teacher and educational rights activist, suggesting that her leadership might bring a fresh perspective to the educational landscape in Mexico. The termination of Arriaga was deemed necessary to ensure that the textbooks reflect a broader and more inclusive view of history, aligning with the government’s educational reforms aimed at addressing historical inequalities.
During a press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed that the decision to replace Arriaga was based on his unwillingness to adapt the textbooks to these evolving educational needs. The move highlights ongoing discussions within the Mexican government about the direction of education and the importance of integrating diverse perspectives into learning materials, ensuring that disputes like those faced with Arriaga do not compromise pedagogical integrity.