Many schools in Mexico have closed shortly after opening this fall. This is due to the increasing threats made against teachers to pay protection fees to local gangs. Unfortunately as the article explains this is a product of Mexico's war on drugs. As the money dries up from decreased opportunities to export drugs into the United States, many gangs are now looking to use intimidation, threats and fear to supplement their income. "If you don't pay, you die," is one of the threats being used against teacher since their salaries are a little more stable than most. A surcuity analysis in Mexico claims that extortion is the next big paying business internationally next to drug trafficking and if gangs are sufficiently violent they can gain steady income. However there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the many school employees and citizens. Rival gangs have been popping up to halt advances on these crimes and make the public less fearful. State governments are promising to install more security features in schools such as cameras, panic button, telephones, and increased police patrol to help schools feel safe enough to open again. Lastly, many analysis are doubting wether these threats will even be carried out against a group as "politically power." Hopefully this is something that can be montiored and enforced in sake for all school officals, students, and the public.
Kourtney Macaluso
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