Teacher Accuses Vice Principal of Misogyny and Abuse

Cancún, MX — Professor Astrid Belén González Zárate, an arts teacher at Technical Secondary School No. 20 “Rafael Ramírez Castañeda,” has filed a formal complaint with the Secretary of Education of Quintana Roo (SEQ) against the school's afternoon shift vice principal, Miguel Armando Cocom Cob. She has accused him of verbal violence, discrimination, and misogyny, and has requested his temporary removal from the position while investigations are conducted.

In a document dated September 22, 2025, and submitted to the SEQ's Directorate of Legal Affairs, the educator stated that since the arrival of engineer Cocom Cob at the school during the 2023-2024 academic year, she has endured a hostile work environment. This environment, she claims, includes a lack of respect and attitudes that affect her professional performance, emotional stability, and the institutional image of the school.

“My complaint is based on the fact that engineer Miguel Cocom has repeatedly disrespected me, engaged in acts of discrimination, verbal violence, misogyny, and workplace harassment against me. These behaviors harm my professional performance, my emotional stability, and my health, as well as the image of our educational institution, given that he has carried out his acts in front of students during class hours,” she states in the complaint.

Among the incidents described, the professor mentioned that the vice principal made persistent invitations for her to go out to eat, which she rejected. She also accused him of directing shouts and humiliations towards staff, primarily women, even in front of students.

She indicated that on one occasion, he insulted the custodial staff with offensive language and that he commonly uses discriminatory expressions against female teachers.

“The daily behavior of engineer Cocom Cob has generated a violent work climate, contrary to the principles of public education,” stated González Zárate in the document.

She recalled that the most recent situation occurred on September 18 of this year. Due to maintenance in the arts classroom and rainy conditions, the teacher moved her students to the library. During the class, she said, the vice principal burst in abruptly and demanded they vacate the space, treating them rudely. The teacher decided to remain in the library to avoid risks to her health and the safety of the students.

Given these antecedents, the professor has requested that the SEQ initiate a formal investigation into the vice principal's conduct, remove the official from his post for the duration of the inquiries to prevent retaliation, and adopt prevention, attention, and sanction measures in accordance with applicable regulations, guaranteeing a work environment free of violence and discrimination.

The educator added that the situation transcends the personal, as it directly affects school life and student development.

The request has been officially registered with the SEQ under folio number 72/09/25. It now falls to the department to define the immediate measures and the investigation procedure to address the accusations.