Students at the National Preparatory School 2 "Erasmo Castellanos Quinto" have recently staged a significant protest, blocking Circuito Interior as they demand improvements to their educational facilities and the establishment of subsidized dining options. Beginning their demonstration on January 9, 2024, the students, numbering between 10 and 15, set up barricades using school furniture and lit bonfires as they expressed their frustrations over food insecurity and inadequate educational resources.
The blockade, which has disrupted traffic on one of the city's major thoroughfares, began as the students called for the implementation of the "Comedores Populares para el Bienestar" program, which aims to provide meals at just 11 pesos (around 60 cents). This program is particularly significant for the roughly 21.42% of the student body—approximately 1,500 students whose families earn between 1,500 and 5,000 pesos monthly—who struggle with food insecurity.
On Thursday, during their assembly, students announced their intent to close both directions of Circuito Interior, affecting numerous motorists trying to maneuver through the area. Their protest message was clear: "We demand collaboration from the government of Mexico City with the university authority for implementing the Popular Dining Program for Welfare, which offers food at the cost of $11.00," they stated on social media.
Despite the peaceful intentions, tensions arose as the demonstrators reportedly clashed with police, using firecrackers and sometimes aggressively confronting those attempting to document the protests. Witnesses shared accounts of how barricades made of tables and chairs were set ablaze, adding to the chaos. After four hours, traffic was finally cleared when the students decided to lift the blockade after reaching out to authorities.
Negotiations with local officials began shortly after the demonstration commenced. Representatives from the City of Mexico acknowledged the students' plight, indicating they were aware of the situation and expressing willingness to support the establishment of the promised community cafeteria—"From this moment, the response of the city government is yes, we will establish a community cafeteria," said one official during the meeting with students.
The students had taken over their school not only to voice their discontent but to highlight the broader issue of food insecurity impacting academic performance. Many students have stated they plan to continue their protests until their demands are clearly met and promised actions follow through without repercussions.
Essentially, this protest serves as both an immediate response to the lack of dining options and reflects the growing discontent among students as they grapple with the misalignment of governmental action and their basic needs. According to statements from the organizing group, the protest had aimed to demand, "A dignified and accessible diet for Prepa 2!" showcasing the urgency of reforming their socio-economic conditions.
After several provocative actions, including barricading the streets and igniting fires, the students expressed hope for future engagements. They have stated they are willing to cease protests if assured there will be no retaliation against them for their actions. "If the government of CDMX and the university authorities come to negotiate on site and agree to address the problems, we will immediately end our blockade," they proclaimed, signaling their desire for constructive dialogue.
The distinct backdrop of socio-economic struggle is underscored by previous reports from the school director, indicating the dire financial situations faced by many families. These scenarios underline the need for programs like subsidized meals, as countless students have found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on their studies amid worrying about food access and safety.
The student body's resistance, symbolic of their struggles, was expressed even through the messages scrawled on their school walls, demanding dignity and action—"For my race, the UNAM will not speak" and "Prepa 2 Libre" being prominent slogans. The students hope their actions will finally attract the needed attention from authorities, as they have felt ignored for two years. This growing frustration among youth reflects broader societal issues of inequality and access.
Whether the protests will prompt effective governmental responses remains to be seen. The immediate lifting of the blockade sets the stage for anticipated dialogues, which the students fervently seek. A range of perspectives within the community and beyond is now focused on the outcomes of these discussions and any potential shifts toward justice and equity for students of Prepa 2. This protest may very well signal the need for change within the educational infrastructure of Mexico City.