A military academy in Puebla, Mexico, allegedly forced female students to work as hostesses for unknown men, according to a report by Milenio. The outlet detailed the practice as part of the academy’s operations, which grew significantly before coming under scrutiny.
Milenio’s investigation, published Friday, quotes students describing how they were “placed as hostesses for unknown men.” The report does not specify the academy’s name, the number of students affected, or the exact timeframe of the alleged activities.
The Puebla case is part of a broader national debate over militarized schools in Mexico. In a separate report, La Jornada noted that the only militarized school in Durango may continue operating only if it removes military-style education activities. Milenio also reported that closures of such academies in Tamaulipas threaten jobs, with one source expressing hope the school would not be shut down.
Additionally, El Universal reported that Aguascalientes is seeking federal approval to keep its militarized high schools running. Proceso, meanwhile, said legislators are pushing to close militarized schools following the femicide of Dafne Zapata, a case that has intensified public pressure on these institutions.
The reports collectively indicate a growing movement among state and federal authorities to regulate or shut down militarized academies, citing concerns over student safety and conduct. The Puebla allegations add a new layer of urgency, as they suggest potential exploitation within these institutions.
What to watch next: Whether federal legislators act on the Puebla allegations and the Zapata case to impose nationwide restrictions on militarized schools.
