Historical roots of the Student Movement at El Mexe Normal School: the struggle for social justice (1930-1970)

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to conduct a documentary analysis of the ongoing struggle of students at the Rural Normal School Luis Villareal (El Mexe), located in the municipality of Francisco I. Madero, in the state of Hidalgo. This analysis will span from the school's foundation to the 1970s. The primary objective of the students was to improve living conditions not only for them­selves but also for their families and communities, predominantly composed of indigenous and peasant populations. This student movement is unique in its nature, advocating for social justice collectively: while seeking scholarships, they simultaneously presented demands on behalf of other social groups. Hen­ce, we find a common thread of resistance that goes beyond a list of student demands and gave rise to social activists such as Lucio Cabañas Barrientos, who ultimately became a guerrilla leader.