Italy ministers agree to ban burqa and niqab in school and cap foreigners in class
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the measures as "common-sense tools that do not divide but really help to integrate".
The Italian government has agreed to a ban on the burqa and niqab in schools, as well as a cap on the number of foreign students with limited Italian language skills in each class. The new measures aim to promote integration and gender equality. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the restrictions as common-sense tools, while opposition parties claim the government is pandering to policies of the hard-right Futuro Nazionale party ahead of the upcoming general election.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara maintains the cap is purely linguistic and not based on citizenship. The ban will apply to the burqa and niqab, but not the hijab, which leaves the face visible. Non-Italian citizens make up 11.6% of pupils in Italian schools. The 30% limit on pupils with limited Italian language skills will be enforced differently for each stage of education.
Schools will need to spread these students evenly across nearby schools or offer extra Italian courses to avoid "ghetto classes". The decree, which can take effect immediately, must still be ratified by parliament within 60 days.
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