Italian government approves ban on burqa and niqab in schools

The document also establishes that no more than 30% of students in a classroom may be non-native speakers of Italian or speak it poorly. According to AP, this restriction will in practice affect about 1,000 classrooms, or 0.3% of all classrooms in the country.

Teachers' unions opposed the initiative and believe that the allocated €14 million will not be enough to implement it, including hiring teachers of Italian as a foreign language. AP also notes that in areas with a high share of immigrants, the issue arises of transferring children to schools in other districts.

According to the Italian Ministry of Education for the 2022–2023 school year, 11.2% of students in the country did not have Italian citizenship. In 7.6% of classrooms, more than 30% of students were foreigners.

The decree also provides for courses for parents of students with a low level of Italian. Failure to attend the classes carries a fine of €200 to €1,000.

Sources

• Interfax