Child Guarantor supports Valditara's idea: Burqa is a violent device, stay out of schools

The Italian Ministry of Education, led by Minister Giuseppe Valditara, has received backing from the National Commissioner for Children and Adolescents, Marina Terragni, regarding new proposals aimed at banning the burqa in schools. The measures, which include stricter rules against parents who refuse to send their daughters to school without the veil, have found support among some key figures in the education sector. The proposal forms part of broader legislative efforts under the new security bill, with Valditara seeking to address issues of integration and inclusion through more stringent policies. The debate over the burqa in educational settings gained momentum after a resolution was approved by the Culture Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, urging the government to consider initiatives to prohibit the wearing of full-face veils, such as the niqab or burqa, in schools. This move followed growing concerns over the impact of such practices on students’ ability to participate fully in academic life. However, Valditara has taken the issue further, proposing amendments to the security bill that would not only ban the burqa in schools but also introduce measures targeting non-cooperative parents. In an interview with Corriere della Sera published on August 1st, Valditara outlined his vision for addressing the challenges faced by immigrant children, particularly in terms of language acquisition and social integration. He emphasized the need for a clear distinction between integration and inclusion, arguing that allowing girls to attend school while wearing the burqa contradicts constitutional principles. According to Valditara, this practice could lead to a form of gender discrimination and even reduce the girl to a state of being “non-person,” undermining her rights and autonomy. A central component of the proposed legislation includes mandatory Italian language courses for foreign parents, aiming to ensure that families can continue supporting their children’s education outside the classroom. This measure is intended to promote linguistic fluency and cultural assimilation, reinforcing the idea that education should be accessible to all, regardless of origin. Additionally, Valditara has suggested adopting a policy similar to the Caivano Decree, which allows for up to two years of imprisonment for parents who deny their children access to schooling. In extreme cases, he has proposed revoking residency permits for those who refuse to enroll their children in school. Marina Terragni, the National Commissioner for Children and Adolescents, has expressed full endorsement of Valditara’s approach. In a statement, she described the burqa and niqab as “devices of violence invented by men afraid of the female body.” She argued that these garments represent a form of control over women’s bodies and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Terragni stressed that the proposed measures aim to protect young girls from being forced into isolation by their families, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their right to education and personal freedom. The proposal has sparked controversy, particularly among left-wing parties and labor unions, which have raised concerns about potential overreach and the risk of discrimination. Despite these objections, Valditara’s stance has found support from key stakeholders, including the National Commissioner, who sees the measures as necessary to uphold democratic values and protect vulnerable groups. As discussions continue, the focus will remain on balancing individual freedoms with collective responsibilities, ensuring that educational institutions remain inclusive spaces for all students.