[REVISION HISTORY]

Dominican Republic educational and legislative reforms

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What changed

2026-09-08 21:55 UTC → 2026-09-09 19:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate have advanced several legislative initiatives aimed at educational, civic, fiscal, and social reform. In early September 2026, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill in its first reading to make Moral and Civic Education a mandatory subject for all public and private pre-university schools to strengthen ethical training and democratic participation. On September 8, the Chamber approved the same bill in its second reading. This version resulted from the fusion of proposals by deputies Liz Adriana Mieses Díaz, Jorge Manuel Zorrilla González, and Onavel Aristy, aiming to foster respect for the Constitution, human rights, and national symbols. The legislation applies to all levels from initial education through secondary school. Rather than relying on rote memorization, the proposal emphasizes participatory methodologies, critical analysis, and the practical application of civic knowledge. The Ministry of Education (Minerd) will be responsible for curriculum implementation and teacher training once the bill passes the Senate and is promulgated. Concurrently, lawmakers approved the National Scholarship System for Productive and Labor Development. Proposed by Deputy José Manuel Caraballo Gómez, this legislation requires international scholarship recipients to return to the Dominican Republic for two to five years of professional service. Students who fail to comply may be required to repay funding to the Executive Power and could face civil or criminal proceedings. Further educational debate emerged following a proposal by Deputy Julio César Beltré to make the teaching of Creole, English, and French mandatory in all public and private primary and secondary schools. ~~The inclusion of Creole and French is intended to enhance communicative competencies regarding regional relationships.~~ However, Ramfis Domínguez Trujillo, president of the Democratic Hope Party (PED), has formally opposed the initiative, arguing it “threatens national identity, sovereignty, and educational ~~priorities” and that resources should instead focus on Spanish, English, mathematics, and science.~~ priorities.”

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