Teacher assault in Salto: union demands urgent action against school violence

The assault on a teacher at Liceo 3 in the eastern part of Salto raised alarms about the growing climate of school violence in Uruguay. If you're following the news, you know that these types of incidents not only affect the direct perpetrators but also jeopardize educational coexistence, institutional security, and the response of authorities.

On Monday, October 6, a teacher was verbally and physically assaulted by a student inside the school. The incident was reported by the Salto secondary school teachers' union, AFESS – FENAPES, which also reported that the teacher was subsequently threatened.

Table of contents

1. What happened at Liceo 3 in Salto?
2. The teachers' union's complaint
3. What measures are required after the attack?
4. The role of educational authorities
5. School violence: a structural problem
6. How to prevent aggression in educational centers?
7. Conclusion: What response does the education system need?

What happened in the attack on a teacher in Salto?

The attack occurred during class time at Liceo 3 in the East Zone of Salto . According to a statement issued by AFESS – FENAPES, the teacher was verbally attacked and then physically assaulted by a student. The union also reported that the teacher was threatened after the incident .

These types of incidents are not isolated. In recent years, similar situations have been reported in different parts of the country, highlighting a problem that goes beyond a single case.

Union reaction to teacher attack in Salto

AFESS – FENAPES issued a statement strongly condemning the attack and demanding concrete measures. The union questioned the lack of effective protocols to prevent and address situations of violence in educational centers.

also called for teachers' safety to be guaranteed and for their right to teach in a threat-free environment to be protected. The complaint was accompanied by a call to the authorities to act swiftly.

Urgent measures after the attack on a teacher in Salto

The union requests:

• Immediate activation of teacher protection protocols
• Intervention of multidisciplinary teams
• Psychological support for the affected teacher
• Sanctions proportional to the seriousness of the act
• Review of safety conditions at the high school

These measures seek not only to address the specific case, but also to prevent similar situations in the future.

Institutional role in the face of teacher aggression in Salto

So far, no official response has been issued by secondary school authorities. However, the union hopes the Secondary Education Council and the Ministry of Education and Culture will speak out and take action.

The lack of institutional response to incidents of school violence can create a climate of impunity and lack of protection for teachers.

School violence and teacher aggression in Salto: a structural problem?

The attack in Salto highlights a deeper problem: the deterioration of ties within schools. School violence manifests itself not only in physical aggression, but also in insults, threats, harassment, and devaluation of the teacher's role.

According to studies by the National Institute for Educational Evaluation, more than 30% of Uruguayan teachers have reported instances of classroom violence in the last three years.

How to prevent aggression in educational centers?

Prevention requires a comprehensive approach:

• Conflict resolution training for teachers and students
• Active school guidance and psychology teams
• Clear and applicable protocols in situations of violence
• Awareness campaigns on respect and coexistence
• Participation of families in the educational process

Furthermore, it is essential that educational centers have institutional support to respond to serious incidents.

Conclusion: What response does the education system need?

The assault on a teacher in Salto cannot be left as an isolated incident. It requires a firm, coordinated, and structural response. If you're part of the education system, as a teacher, student, or family member, you know that school coexistence is a fundamental pillar.

Do you think authorities are doing enough to protect teachers? What measures should be implemented at your school?