Violence in schools: another teacher attacked in Casavalle

On Thursday, September 17, at the end of the shift at the Full-Time School No. 326, located in the Plácido Ellauri neighborhood (Casavalle area, Montevideo), a teacher was physically assaulted.

According to the Uruguayan Teachers' Association (Ademu Montevideo), the incident originated from a conflict among students. Relatives of the involved child approached the teacher at the exit of the educational center to complain that, in their opinion, she had not intervened enough. The discussion escalated and, according to the union's account, an adult and a minor (the student's sister) assaulted the teacher: they insulted her, pulled her hair, threw her to the ground, and hit her on the head, in front of other students.

The general secretary of Ademu, Paola López, pointed out that the situation could have been resolved through dialogue and mediation by adults, which did not happen. The teacher received medical assistance and, according to the union, will file the corresponding complaint. Ademu also questioned why the requested emergency service did not arrive at the scene.

In response to this incident, Ademu declared a general strike of 24 hours in all public schools and kindergartens in Montevideo for Friday, September 18.

This is not an isolated case

Assaults on primary education teachers by relatives of students are occurring with alarming frequency. These episodes, which take place at the exit of educational centers or on school grounds, reflect a deterioration of coexistence and the minimum respect that should exist towards those who educate children.

Uruguay faces a problem of violence that is not limited to schools: it also appears in baby soccer matches, in parks, and in public spaces. Meanwhile, the institutional response is often insufficient. The recurrence of these incidents creates the perception that authorities are unable to guarantee the safety of teachers or impose clear limits on violent behavior.

Attacking a teacher who is fulfilling her educational role is not only an act of cowardice. It also highlights a loss of basic principles of respect and authority that should concern society as a whole. Schools cannot become spaces where aggression prevails over dialogue and rules.

It is necessary to investigate the case, apply the appropriate sanctions, and adopt concrete measures to protect teachers and restore order in educational centers.