"‘You Might Not Get Into University for Apologizing to Teachers’... Uproar Over Forced Passage of Teacher Rights Protection Act Here"

Italy Passes Law Protecting Teachers' Rights
Grants Authority to Provide Paid Leave for Teachers
Some Criticize as 'Revival of Fascist Policies'

Unrelated images of teachers and students [Photo source=Pixabay]

As voices demanding measures to protect teachers' authority grow louder around the world, Italy has established a legal basis to strongly sanction students who undermine teacher authority.

On the 25th (local time), ANSA news agency reported that "the education bill proposed by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara was passed with 154 votes in favor, 97 against, and 7 abstentions." The bill has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, leaving only the final signature of President Sergio Mattarella.

The core of the bill grants teachers the authority to retain students who verbally abuse or assault them. Students who receive a conduct score of 5 or below out of 10 will be held back regardless of their academic performance. Senior students may lose their eligibility to take university entrance exams. High school students with a conduct score of 6 must take a civic education exam. Students who attack school staff must also pay fines ranging from a minimum of 500 euros (approximately 730,000 KRW) to a maximum of 10,000 euros (approximately 14,710,000 KRW).

Recently, cases of attacks on school staff by students and parents have been increasing in Italy. Minister Valditara said, "This law will instill responsibility in students and restore teachers' authority," adding, "Schools are the core of education that can create a better society." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed hope that a culture of respect will take root again in schools and that teacher authority will be strengthened.

However, the conduct grading system has also faced criticism for being similar to the policy under Benito Mussolini's fascist government in 1924, which held back students with poor conduct. The National Student Council criticized the bill, saying it "reinforces an authoritarian and punitive culture" and warned that "schools could be used as tools to oppress students." Anna Ascani, a member of the House of Representatives from the main opposition Democratic Party (PD), also criticized it as "a regression to a time we wanted to forget."