Italy Plans School Reforms with Proposed Niqab Ban and Limits on Foreign Pupils

Photo: Giorgia Meloni and Ursula von der Leyen, Christophe Licoppe / European Union, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 | Jihad Watch

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced a new package of school reforms that includes a proposed ban on burqas and niqabs in schools, along with measures aimed at strengthening language integration and regulating the number of foreign pupils in classrooms. The proposals are expected to be presented to the Italian cabinet in the coming weeks.

According to Meloni, the legislation would prohibit face coverings such as burqas and niqabs within schools, require parents of students facing serious integration challenges to learn Italian, and introduce limits on the proportion of foreign students enrolled in individual classes. The government says the measures are intended to improve educational integration and preserve effective classroom learning.

The debate takes place against a broader European backdrop, where several countries have already introduced restrictions on face coverings. France and Belgium ban face coverings in public places, while Austria has implemented restrictions in schools. In contrast, countries such as Spain and Poland continue to protect freedom of conscience and religion under their constitutions.

Speaking at a rally organized by Gioventù Nazionale, the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy party, Meloni argued that Italian children should not become a minority within their own classrooms. She criticized what she described as ideological approaches to integration and called for policies that promote language learning and social cohesion.

The announcement also comes as Italy prepares for national elections next year, with migration emerging once again as a central political issue. Meloni is facing growing competition on the right from retired General Roberto Vannacci, who has advocated even stricter migration and integration policies. The proposed education reforms are expected to become a significant part of the country’s wider debate over immigration, identity, and public education.

In recent months, Italy has seen several legislative initiatives related to migration, integration, and school policy, reflecting the government’s continued focus on reshaping its approach to education and social integration.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)