Chiapas Rural Teacher School Initiation Abuse Hospitalizes Student

Parents of new‑entrance students at the Escuela Normal Rural Mactumactzá in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, reported that a traditional initiation rite, or “novatada,” subjected them to severe physical and psychological mistreatment.

Allegations include denial of food, water and bathroom access, forced strenuous activity, removal of phones, and leaving an 18‑year‑old female student without sanitary facilities during her menstrual period. The neglect led to a kidney infection, two surgeries and continued hospitalization.

Families say dozens of other newcomers were also harmed, some expelled despite passing entrance exams, and recall a 2018 incident at the same school that resulted in a student death. Protesters gathered before the state government palace demanding intervention by education authorities.