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The addition of the book “El Golpe 28-J” (The Coup of July 28), authored by former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, to the national education curriculum has ignited a heated discussion in Honduras regarding political impact in the educational sector. This material, which presents Zelaya’s perspective on the coup d’état that occurred on June 28, 2009, was included in the Cátedra Morazánica, a civic education class, purportedly to preserve historical awareness and avert the recurrence of similar incidents. Nonetheless, the production and widespread release of 100,000 copies by the National Printing Office (ENAG) have sparked apprehension among social and educational communities about the potential political slant of the academic program.
The debate is escalating as comparisons are made with Venezuela’s situation, where Hugo Chávez’s Blue Book served as an ideological instrument in educational settings during the establishment of the Bolivarian initiative. In Honduras, certain opponents perceive “El Golpe 28-J” as a similar effort to enforce political ideology, whereas the administration asserts that the book is part of an educational program focused on preserving historical memory and encouraging teaching that prioritizes verified facts.
Debate and issues concerning the 28-J Event
El Golpe 28-J is presented as historical material that addresses the 2009 coup d’état, an event internationally recognized as a breach of constitutional order and condemned by multilateral bodies such as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations General Assembly. The work highlights Zelaya as a victim and martyr, while his opponents are portrayed as agents of foreign interests. This narrative has been criticized by sectors that consider the book to be heavily ideological and that its inclusion in the curriculum could violate academic freedom and educational neutrality.
Though it was first stated that the book was to be a compulsory read for all primary and secondary students, the Education Ministry subsequently explained that it isn’t a necessary obligation, emphasizing respect for academic independence. This explanation aims to address concerns from educators and parents advocating for an education devoid of political bias and centered on democratic principles and analytical reasoning. Nevertheless, the official directive in the La Gaceta newspaper and the large-scale printing of the book continue to fuel debate about the true impact of this measure.
Community responses and potential political consequences
Parents, independent teachers, and representatives of private educational institutions have expressed their rejection of the imposition of “El Golpe 28-J,” arguing that education must remain neutral and that the mandatory use of a text with a partisan view could be unconstitutional. It has been pointed out that this measure could limit academic freedom and force teachers to teach a biased version of recent history.
Political commentators propose that incorporating this book into educational curricula might be a tactic to set the cultural and societal stage for significant political transformations. These could include a potential National Constituent Assembly, akin to what occurred in Venezuela in 1999 following the encouragement of the Blue Book. This understanding stems from the belief that dominating the historical narrative and shaping the ideology of younger generations are initial phases in establishing enduring political initiatives.
The authorities, on their side, support the addition of “El Golpe 28-J” as a move towards historical accountability and a dedication to factuality, highlighting the importance of youth understanding the events of the coup and its aftermath. From this viewpoint, teaching about history should not be seen as retaliation, but as a tool to avert the recurrence of comparable occurrences.
Therefore, the addition of “The July 28 Coup” to the educational program in Honduras underscores a significant social and political divide regarding education’s role in shaping citizenship and preserving historical memory. The conflict between educational independence and endorsing an official account illustrates the obstacles Honduras encounters in its journey towards reconciliation and building democracy.
