Authorities Turn Blind Eye to Sexual Abuse in Maya Area Schools

Sexual violence is a pervasive issue in Quintana Roo, impacting all levels of society. However, one particularly vulnerable group that has been overlooked by authorities is the children and adolescents in the Maya area. These individuals are often subjected to abuse by teachers, family members, and strangers within their communities, who exploit their vulnerability without facing any significant repercussions from law enforcement or judicial institutions.

Various national and international organizations, including INEGI and public health institutions, have repeatedly warned about the severity of this issue and called for immediate action. Yet, as of 2025, cases of impunity remain widespread. This is evident in municipalities like Carrillo Puerto, where countless cases of abuse have been documented but perpetrators have evaded justice.

In Carrillo Puerto, both heterosexual and homosexual teachers have been found guilty of sexually abusing children and adolescents from the Maya community. Despite this, they have not been held accountable for their actions. Several years ago, a man who had forced a group of children to engage in sexual acts was fired due to the efforts of some mothers. However, this man continues to interact with children today, and it is suspected that he continues to commit these crimes with impunity.

At the Conalep educational center in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a teacher known for sexually harassing students, primarily those from Maya communities, has been protected by the union leadership and educational authorities. Maya sin Fronteras has obtained a copy of the criminal record where this teacher is listed as the accused. Although the authorities are aware of his identity, it is being withheld for the safety of the victim while the trial is ongoing.

When Governor Mara Lezama visited Felipe Carrillo Puerto for a public hearing in early February, a group of Conalep students attempted to report the sexual harassment they were experiencing. However, they were warned by the school director that they would face repercussions at school if they approached the governor.

The accused teacher is not only involved in sexual harassment but is also suspected of distributing pornography both inside and outside the school. This issue was reported over a year ago, but the school director merely moved the accused teacher away from the group that included the student who reported the harassment.

During the judicial proceedings, both the school director and the union leader defended the accused teacher, despite the evidence presented by the victim's legal counsel. Sexual harassment is not confined to the Conalep campus in Felipe Carrillo Puerto; it is also prevalent in other educational institutions, leading to additional criminal complaints. However, both the union and the school management often pressure the victims into silence, perpetuating this cycle of abuse.