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.
Debate and discussions 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.
Although it was initially announced that reading the book would be mandatory at all basic and secondary levels, the Ministry of Education later clarified that it is not a mandatory requirement and that academic freedom will be respected. This clarification seeks to respond to criticism from teachers and parents who demand an education free of political propaganda and focused on democratic values and critical thinking. However, the official order published in the newspaper La Gaceta and the mass printing of the book keep open the discussion on the real scope of this provision.
Public responses and potential impacts on politics
Guardians, freelance educators, and delegates of non-public educational entities have voiced their opposition to enforcing “El Golpe 28-J,” contending that schooling should stay impartial and that mandating the use of a text with a one-sided perspective might be unconstitutional. It has been highlighted that this action could restrict educational freedom and compel instructors to present a skewed account of contemporary history.
Political experts propose that the inclusion of this book in the education system might be a tactic to set the cultural and social stage for significant political transformations, like a potential National Constituent Assembly. This occurred in Venezuela in 1999 following the influence of the Blue Book. This perspective relies on the concept that controlling the historical narrative and shaping the ideology of young generations are initial actions towards establishing enduring political agendas.
The administration, on its end, justifies incorporating “El Golpe 28-J” as a demonstration of historical accountability and a dedication to truth, highlighting the importance for young individuals to understand the details of the coup and its aftermath. From this viewpoint, teaching about past events should not be seen as an act of retribution, but rather as a means to avoid the recurrence of similar situations.
Therefore, the addition of “The July 28 Coup” to the Honduran educational program underscores a significant societal and political divide concerning education’s role in shaping citizenship and conveying historical memory. The conflict between scholarly independence and endorsing an official storyline illustrates the difficulties Honduras encounters in its journey toward reconciliation and democratic development.
