New Italian School Restrictions
Italy Approves New Decree Restricting Migrant Classroom Share and Banning Veils
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Key Points
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The 30% classroom cap is scheduled to take effect in the 2027–28 school year.
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Violating the face-covering ban could result in a €1,000 fine.
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Foreign nationals make up 11.6% of pupils in Italy’s schools, according to research institution Fondazione ISMU.
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The decree is to be approved by parliament within 60 days; the government coalition holds a parliamentary majority.
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The measures also come amid pressure on Meloni from retired army general Roberto Vannacci, a hard-line challenger campaigning on immigration and national identity.
Italy's government has approved a decree that limits classrooms to 30% of students with weak Italian-language skills and bans burqas and niqabs in schools. Prime Minister Meloni's cabinet says the measures support integration and prevent segregated classes, though the rules still need parliamentary approval within 60 days.
The classroom cap takes effect in 2027–28. Face-covering bans carry €1,000 fines. Hijabs remain allowed. Opposition parties and teachers' unions call the measures political and say they risk stigmatizing migrant children. Foreign nationals make up 11.6% of Italy's school population, according to Fondazione ISMU.
How the Classroom Cap Will Work
Schools with more than 30% of students lacking Italian fluency must redistribute those children elsewhere. The cap varies by school level and considers student citizenship and schooling history. Implementation details remain unclear—officials haven't explained how redistribution will happen or whether students face longer commutes. Sunday Guardian reported that Italy's conservative administration framed the rules as essential for classroom effectiveness.
Full-Face Veils Prohibited, But Hijabs Allowed
The decree bans burqas and niqabs—full-face coverings—across all schools. Violators face €1,000 fines. Hijabs, which cover hair but not the face, remain permitted. The government cited gender equality as justification. Head Topics reported that the cabinet approved the veil restrictions alongside the language limits as a single policy package.
Critics Say Measures Politicize Immigration
Opposition parties, educators, and unions oppose both policies. They argue the classroom cap politicizes immigration and stigmatizes migrant students by singling them out for redistribution. Teachers worry implementation will disrupt education and burden schools already stretched thin. Manistee News noted that the decree allows Prime Minister Meloni to reassert her position on immigration, a core conservative issue.
Parliamentary Vote Expected Soon
The decree must pass parliament within 60 days. Meloni's coalition holds a legislative majority, making approval likely. The classroom cap won't take effect until 2027–28, giving schools years to adjust—or for political pressure to mount. The timing also reflects pressure on Meloni from retired general Roberto Vannacci, a hard-line challenger campaigning on immigration and national identity.
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