Panama’s Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, addressed a serious case involving a teacher at the Instituto Nacional de Panamá accused of sexual crimes against a student. Speaking on Tuesday, Molinar reiterated the firm stance of the Ministry of Education (Panama) against any form of abuse targeting minors within the school system.
The minister avoided specific case details due to potential legal restrictions but emphasized the alleged conduct was completely unacceptable. She confirmed the ministry followed established protocols immediately after the initial complaint was filed with the institution.
Legal and Administrative Actions Taken
A guarantee judge recently ordered the detention of the accused teacher. Molinar described the overall process as “very long” and noted it was marked by attempts to obstruct the internal sanctions originally imposed on the educator. According to her explanation, an administrative authority within the education system tried to annul the teacher’s removal from his position.
“When the complaint was presented to the institution, we acted in accordance with what is established. A guarantee judge recently ordered the detention of the teacher involved,” Molinar stated. [Translated from Spanish]
That attempt to invalidate the internal punishment prompted the ministry to intervene. A disciplinary file was opened against that administrative official for interfering. This decisive move underscores the ministry’s current zero-tolerance policy under Lucy Molinar.
“Someone tried to invalidate the sanction internally at the school. We had to intervene, and that person also had a file opened against them, because no one can coexist with or permit that type of conduct,” the minister affirmed. [Translated from Spanish]
A Firm Warning to the Educational Community
Minister Molinar issued a forceful message to the entire educational community, including unions and administrative staff. She stated unequivocally that protecting students is the absolute priority, superseding any other institutional considerations or protections.
The historic Instituto Nacional de Panamá, one of the country’s most prominent public schools, now finds itself at the center of this high-profile case. The ministry’s aggressive response signals a shift in handling such sensitive allegations, aiming to prevent bureaucratic obstacles from shielding accused personnel.
“Our children are to be respected, and there is no union, jurisdiction, or condition that defends or justifies coexistence with that type of behavior. We will not tolerate it, and we hope no one ever again attacks the integrity of a student,” Molinar declared. [Translated from Spanish]
This case highlights ongoing challenges within Panama’s education system. It follows other recent efforts by the meduca instituto nacional administration to enforce stricter accountability. The ministry’s public handling aims to reassure parents and students while setting a clear precedent for future incidents.