Graciela Chipana faces trial for alleged discrimination against child with autism

Graciela Chipana, a deputy for Juntos por el Perú, is facing an oral trial for aggravated discrimination against a three-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The case stems from April 2025, when Chipana was working as an early childhood educator at the San Antonio de Padua school in Moquegua.

According to the prosecution, Chipana allegedly refused to admit the child into her classroom despite authorization from the school's administration. Evidence presented includes recordings where Chipana expressed difficulties regarding the child's communication needs and suggested the family hire a ‘shadow teacher’ to accompany the student, a cost the family could not afford. Testimonies also suggest the teacher closed the classroom door to prevent the child's entry.

The Public Ministry is seeking a criminal conviction and a two-year disqualification from holding public office. In response, the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) issued a statement reaffirming the right of children with disabilities to inclusive education and dignified treatment under Law No. 29973.

Chipana’s defense, led by former prosecutor José Domingo Pérez, argues that the prosecution has misinterpreted her professional concerns regarding the specific educational needs of the student and maintains that her actions did not constitute discrimination.