Mexican officials propose criminalizing school hazing

Legislators in Tamaulipas and President Claudia Sheinbaum have addressed the issue of “novatadas” (hazing) in educational institutions following recent reports of abuse in Tamaulipas and Chiapas.

Gerardo Peña Flores, coordinator of the PAN parliamentary group in the Tamaulipas Congress, proposed amending the state's Penal Code to criminalize hazing and other forms of humiliation that risk student health or integrity. The initiative seeks to impose prison sentences ranging from two months to one year, with harsher penalties for incidents involving minors or persons with disabilities. The proposal, which received support from the PRI and Movimiento Ciudadano, would allow authorities to investigate these crimes officially without a formal complaint.

President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected violent hazing practices, stating that educational environments must be free of physical or verbal aggression. While noting that existing laws may already cover these issues, she expressed openness to further legislation if necessary to ensure that violent initiation rituals are clearly identified as illegal. She emphasized that institutions should focus on supporting the integration of new students rather than subjecting them to tests of violence.