Dozens of clowns in Bolivia have voiced strong opposition to a recent government decree that limits extracurricular activities in schools, a move they argue directly imperils their livelihoods. Dressed in full face paint and their characteristic red noses, these entertainers marched through the streets of La Paz, the capital, on Monday. Their protest was directed at a decree issued by the Ministry of Education in February.
The new mandate requires schools to strictly adhere to a 200-day academic year. This regulation, in effect, prohibits schools from hosting the special events and celebrations that have traditionally been a significant source of employment for clowns and other entertainers across the country. The demonstrators fear that this policy will severely diminish their income opportunities.