Education and politics in Honduras: controversy over “El Golpe 28-J”

The insertion of the book “El Golpe 28-J” (The Coup of July 28), authored by former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, into the public school curriculum has ignited a heated discussion in Honduras regarding political influence in education. This publication, detailing Zelaya’s perspective on the June 28, 2009 coup d’état, was added to the Cátedra Morazánica, a civic education class, with the stated purpose of maintaining historical awareness and averting the recurrence of similar incidents. Nevertheless, the production and widespread distribution of 100,000 copies by the National Graphic Arts Company (ENAG) have sparked apprehension among social and educational groups about the potential politicization of the educational syllabus.

The debate is becoming more heated as comparisons are made with the situation in Venezuela, where Hugo Chávez’s Blue Book served as an ideological instrument in educational institutions during the establishment of the Bolivarian project. In Honduras, certain opponents view “El Golpe 28-J” as a comparable effort to instill political views, whereas the government insists that the document is a component of an educational initiative focused on fostering critical learning rooted in factual evidence.

Topics and debate regarding The 28-J Coup

The publication “El Golpe 28-J” is described as a historical account that deals with the 2009 military coup, a situation widely acknowledged around the world as a violation of constitutional norms and denounced by international entities like the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations General Assembly. The text depicts Zelaya as a martyr and victim, whereas his adversaries are portrayed as representatives of external agendas. This portrayal has faced criticism from groups that argue that the book is deeply ideological and that incorporating it into educational programs might breach academic liberty and impartiality in education.

Though it was first declared that reading the book would be compulsory across all primary and secondary education levels, the Ministry of Education later explained that it is not an obligatory necessity and that freedom in academic choices will be upheld. This explanation aims to address the concerns of educators and guardians advocating for education without political bias, emphasizing democratic principles and analytical thought. Nevertheless, the formal directive issued in the newspaper La Gaceta along with the broad distribution of the book continues to fuel debate over the true extent of this guideline.

Public responses and potential political consequences

Guardians, freelance educators, and delegates of non-public educational entities have voiced their opposition to enforcing “El Golpe 28-J,” contending that schooling should stay impartial and that mandating the use of a text with a one-sided perspective might be unconstitutional. It has been highlighted that this action could restrict educational freedom and compel instructors to present a skewed account of contemporary history.

Political analysts suggest that the introduction of this book into the education system could be part of a strategy to prepare the cultural and social ground for major political changes, such as an eventual National Constituent Assembly, similar to what happened in Venezuela in 1999 after the promotion of the Blue Book. This interpretation is based on the idea that control of the historical narrative and the ideological formation of new generations are preliminary steps to consolidating long-term political projects.

The administration, on its end, justifies incorporating “El Golpe 28-J” as a demonstration of historical accountability and a dedication to truth, highlighting the importance for young individuals to understand the details of the coup and its aftermath. From this viewpoint, teaching about past events should not be seen as an act of retribution, but rather as a means to avoid the recurrence of similar situations.

Therefore, the addition of “The July 28 Coup” to the Honduran educational program underscores a significant societal and political divide concerning education’s role in shaping citizenship and conveying historical memory. The conflict between scholarly independence and endorsing an official storyline illustrates the difficulties Honduras encounters in its journey toward reconciliation and democratic development.