Peruvian lawmaker Jair Manrique has demanded that Education Minister Jose Chang introduce periodic psychological evaluations for public school teachers across Peru.
The demand follows a television investigation revealing that 432 teachers in Peru face open administrative inquiries over alleged sexual violence against schoolchildren without a final resolution.
Manrique, a member of the Chamber of Deputies representing the Ahora Nacion party, submitted the request in a formal letter delivered directly to Chang.
The ministry's general director of teacher development, Andres Antonio Izaguirre Minaya, had previously acknowledged that regular psychological assessments are not currently carried out on teachers in the state system.
In his letter, Manrique wrote that it was inadmissible for the state to operate without periodic psychological testing for individuals entrusted with the education and care of children and adolescents.
The lawmaker asked Chang to set out the exact reasons why such checks have not been established, and requested details on planned corrective measures alongside a timetable for their implementation.
Administrative inquiries into sexual violence
The controversy emerged after an investigation broadcast by the Peruvian television program Punto Final disclosed that the Ministry of Education has registered 505 administrative cases involving alleged sexual violence against pupils.
Of the files reviewed in the broadcast, 432 involve teachers whose cases remain pending without a definitive ruling from education authorities.
Punto Final is a weekly investigative journalism program that regularly broadcasts reports on public sector governance, social issues, and official accountability in Peru.
The Ministry of Education, known as Minedu, manages public education policy, school infrastructure, and teacher standards across Peru, where millions of students attend state schools.
Teacher separation rules under Peruvian law
Izaguirre Minaya explained that educators facing allegations of crimes against sexual freedom must be kept away from pupils while preventive separation orders remain in force.
The measure is regulated under Article 44 of Peru's Teacher Reform Law, which governs disciplinary actions, performance requirements, and professional standards across the national public teaching service.
The legal provision applies to official investigations regarding improper touching, sexual harassment, harassment conducted through digital platforms, and rape.
Izaguirre Minaya said teachers subject to these proceedings are barred from working in classrooms and cannot maintain contact with pupils, requiring them to perform administrative duties until their cases are resolved.
Administrative proceedings in Peru's civil service determine whether an employee has violated official regulations, and can lead to sanctions including suspension or permanent dismissal from public employment.
Parliamentary oversight and legal deadlines
Manrique stated that his request was submitted under Article 96 of the Political Constitution of Peru and Article 159 of the Regulations of the Chamber of Deputies.
Those constitutional and regulatory provisions grant Peruvian legislators the legal authority to monitor executive branch ministries, request internal government records, and question state officials on administrative oversight.
The letter marks growing scrutiny of educational safety standards in Peru, where lawmakers frequently exercise constitutional oversight powers to press government departments for administrative transparency and institutional reform.
Concluding his letter, the lawmaker called on Chang to deliver the required information within the established statutory timeframe.
