Meloni promises to ban burqas, niqabs in Italy’s schools

Italy is planning to implement new regulations concerning religious attire and foreign student enrollment in its schools. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has indicated a forthcoming ban on the burqa and niqab within educational institutions. Additionally, the government intends to set limits on the number of foreign students permitted in any given classroom. These measures are part of broader plans to address integration and educational environment concerns within Italian schools. The specific timing for these policies to take effect has not yet been detailed.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and limit the number of foreign students in classrooms. These proposals, outlined at a youth wing gathering of her Brothers of Italy party in Rome, aim to address integration issues. Meloni stated that foreign students' parents experiencing integration difficulties would be required to attend Italian language lessons. The proposed changes, intended to foster cultural understanding and respect for Italian rules, will require parliamentary approval to become law. This move comes as Meloni's government, the longest-serving since WWII, faces a potential challenge from the far-right National Future party, which has also advocated for restrictions on face coverings in schools.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to introduce a government measure that will cap the number of foreign pupils in classrooms and ban the wearing of burkas and niqabs in schools. Speaking to the youth wing of her party in Rome on Sunday, Meloni stated the measure aims to promote integration by requiring Italian language lessons for parents of foreign pupils facing significant integration challenges. She emphasized that individuals coming to Italy to build a future must learn the language, understand the culture, and respect the rules. The proposed ban specifically targets the burka and niqab, but does not mention the hijab.