The inclusion of the book “El Golpe 28-J” (The Coup of July 28), written by former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, in the public education system has sparked intense debate in Honduras about political influence in education. This text, which recounts Zelaya’s version of the coup d’état that took place on June 28, 2009, was incorporated into the Cátedra Morazánica, a civic education course, with the official intention of preserving historical memory and preventing the repetition of similar events. However, the printing and mass distribution of 100,000 copies by the National Graphic Arts Company (ENAG) has raised concerns among social and educational sectors about the possible politicization of the school curriculum.
The debate is becoming more heated as comparisons are made to the situation in Venezuela, where Hugo Chávez’s Blue Book served as an ideological instrument in educational institutions during the establishment of the Bolivarian movement. In Honduras, some detractors view “El Golpe 28-J” as a comparable effort at political indoctrination, whereas the government asserts that the book is a component of an educational initiative focused on historical memory, with the goal of fostering critical learning based on confirmed facts.
Discussions and debate about the 28-J Coup
El 28-J Coup is introduced as a significant account addressing the 2009 overthrow, an event widely acknowledged globally as a disruption of constitutional order and denounced by international entities like the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations General Assembly. The text emphasizes Zelaya as a sufferer and martyr, whereas his adversaries are depicted as representatives of external interests. This storyline has faced criticism from groups who argue that the book is strongly biased and that incorporating it into educational programs might infringe on academic freedom and educational impartiality.
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 members from private schools have voiced their disapproval of the enforcement of “El Golpe 28-J.” They argue that education should stay unbiased and suggest that mandating a book with a political perspective might violate constitutional principles. Concerns have been raised that this policy could restrict educational autonomy and compel educators to present a skewed account of modern historical events.
Political experts propose that incorporating this publication into the educational framework might be a tactic to set the stage culturally and socially for significant political transformations, such as a potential National Constituent Assembly. This mirrors the events in Venezuela in 1999 following the launch of the Blue Book. This perspective is rooted in the concept that managing historical narratives and shaping the ideology of upcoming generations are foundational actions for establishing enduring political agendas.
The administration, on its end, supports the inclusion of “El Golpe 28-J” as an effort towards historical accountability and a dedication to the truth, highlighting the importance of young individuals being aware of the events of the coup and its aftermath. From this point of view, teaching about history should not be seen as retaliation, but as a means to avoid the recurrence of comparable incidents.
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.
