Moms Block School Over Principal Harassment Claims

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — A group of mothers blocked access to the "Adriana Beatriz Cupul" primary school this morning to prevent the newly assigned principal from entering the premises, alleging he has a prior history of sexual harassment that prompted his reassignment to this school.

The school is located in the Nicte Ha neighborhood. The protesting mothers stated that there have been reports for years of approximately eight complaints of sexual and workplace harassment filed against the man by an equal number of female teachers.

"We have a good school; we will not allow a person with this background to be in charge of the school," one of the protesters stated, expressing fear for the safety of their children if this principal were to assume the position.

"We did not know he was coming here," explained another mother. "We work; who will give us back our peace of mind and guarantee the safety of our children?"

Several mothers asserted they would transfer their children to another school if the principal's assignment is not changed, arguing that no one would want to risk their children's safety. "Let's see what they do without students?" one of them questioned.

Manuel Jesús Lizama Guerrero, the municipal director of Education, arrived at the location. He committed to investigating the case and engaging in dialogue with the Quintana Roo State Education Secretariat (SEQ).