Claudia Sheinbaum defends universal basic education scholarships

President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended the implementation of universal scholarships for basic education, arguing that financial support should be treated as a right rather than a reward for high academic performance. Speaking during a press conference at a technical secondary school, Sheinbaum stated that merit-based programs for students with top grades can create inequality in the classroom, as not all children face the same socioeconomic conditions.

Sheinbaum noted that factors such as food insecurity and home environments significantly impact a student's ability to learn, meaning grades do not always reflect individual effort alone. The goal of the support is to help families afford essential school supplies, uniforms, and shoes to prevent school dropout rates due to economic hardship.

The defense of these measures comes amid discussions regarding the expansion of the Rita Cetina Universal Scholarship, which has been extended to primary and secondary students in public schools this cycle.