Mexico rethinks plan to shorten academic calendar for World Cup amid public outcry

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that the country will reconsider its decision to shorten the school year due to the World Cup, following intense criticism from parents, think tanks, and local authorities.

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The initial decision to end the school year 40 days early, on June 5, was made by Education Secretary Mario Delgado on Friday, citing the World Cup and a heat wave as reasons, despite the academic year originally being scheduled to conclude on July 15.

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A six-week vacation period, from July 15 to August 31, had been planned, but the new schedule would have altered this, sparking widespread discontent.

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The World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, is set to begin on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.

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President Sheinbaum revealed that education officials and other government representatives will convene on Monday to gather feedback from parents and explore alternative options.

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Sheinbaum stated that the goal is to maintain the traditional six-week vacation period, potentially allowing some students to start early while others follow the original schedule, with the aim of reaching a consensus decision.

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The president emphasized the importance of listening to stakeholders, saying "Now we need to listen" as the government seeks to find a solution that works for all parties involved.

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Already, two states, Jalisco and Nuevo Leon, have rejected the proposed plan, with Jalisco opting to only suspend classes for four days during the World Cup games in Guadalajara, and Nuevo Leon deciding to stick to the original calendar.

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Think tank Mexico Evalua has also questioned the measure, warning that it will result in 23.4 million students losing valuable learning time, with the organization writing in a report that "the decision... will reduce effective learning time even more".

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President Sheinbaum also provided assurances that the necessary security conditions for the World Cup games will be in place, as well as the completion of ongoing public works projects, including upgrades to the Azteca stadium and the Mexico City International Airport.