Italy Bans Burqas and Hijabs in Schools, Limits Foreign Students
Summary
Italy is moving to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and cap the share of students who do not speak Italian at 30 percent. Violators could face fines of up to 1,000 euros, while the plan still needs parliamentary approval within 60 days.
Key Points
- The Italian government has approved a plan to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and limit non-Italian-speaking students to 30 percent of a classroom.
- Violating the rules could lead to fines of up to 1,000 euros, and the measure still requires parliament’s approval within 60 days.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the policy is about common sense and equal opportunities, while opponents call it a political move ahead of elections.
- Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara says exemptions and extra language support will be provided where schools cannot comply.
