The Italian government has approved a new decree aimed at regulating school policies, particularly regarding face coverings and student demographics. As of the decree, students will be prohibited from wearing face coverings that prevent identification, such as burqas and niqabs, during school activities and events. Exceptions will be made for health or security reasons. The decree also introduces a cap on the number of foreign students in certain classes.
The decree, approved by the Italian Council of Ministers on September 25, 2026, targets the prevention of so-called "ghetto classes" and promotes integration among students. Those who breach the face-covering ban will face administrative fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 euros. If the offender is a minor, the parent will be held accountable for the penalty. According to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, these measures aim to foster a more cohesive learning environment.
A significant aspect of the decree is the introduction of a 30% cap on certain foreign students in first-year classes. This limit applies to students in primary schools who were not born in Italy or did not attend preschool for at least two years. For secondary schools, the cap targets students without Italian nationality who have not successfully completed at least three years of education within the national system.
The decree also focuses on addressing language barriers that may hinder a student's integration into the school community. Schools will be required to report cases where significant linguistic obstacles prevent a child's successful integration. In such instances, social services may organize Italian language courses for parents. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in fines of 200 to 1,000 euros.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara highlighted that approximately 34,000 classes currently have over 30% foreign students. He emphasized that the government's goal is to prioritize the learning of Italian as a tool for integration. By introducing these measures, the government aims to create a more balanced and inclusive educational environment.
The new decree has been introduced as part of the government's efforts to refine the education system. By regulating student demographics and promoting language integration, the government hopes to improve the overall quality of education. Further details on the implementation and impact of the decree will be closely monitored in the coming months.
As the decree comes into effect, schools will need to adapt to the new regulations and ensure compliance. The success of these measures will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between schools, social services, and the broader community. The government's commitment to promoting integration and improving education is clear, and the impact of these changes will be closely watched.
Key points
- The Italian government has introduced a decree banning face coverings in schools and capping foreign student numbers to promote integration and prevent "ghetto classes".
- The decree sets a 30% cap on certain foreign students in first-year classes to regulate student demographics.
- The government aims to prioritize the learning of Italian as a tool for integration, with a focus on addressing language barriers that may hinder a student's integration into the school community.
