Controversies and misconduct in Italian schools

Reports have emerged regarding various incidents of misconduct and controversy within Italian educational institutions.

In Piove di Sacco, a student association alleged discrimination at the De Nicola Institute, claiming a vice-principal told students to return to their country after reprimanding them for speaking Arabic. The principal defended the staff member, stating the intervention was professional and intended to enforce classroom rules.

In Pomezia, a teacher was hospitalized for 14 days after being struck by stones thrown by students following an attempt to enforce a smoking ban. The local trade union condemned the incident as criminal behavior.

In Novi Ligure, the Ministry of Education and Merit ordered an inspection of the Edoardo Amaldi State High School. The investigation follows the use of the school’s electronic register to promote the ‘Sudario di Gaza’ initiative, which features names of children killed in the Gaza conflict. Education Minister Valditara stated that while schools should foster pluralism, they must reject “any form of indoctrination.” The school principal clarified that the school did not sponsor the initiative and that internal mentions of logistical support were errors or informal volunteer efforts rather than official school-organized events.

The Piedmont Regional School Office is continuing its investigation to determine if institutional tools were improperly used to convene students for a political demonstration, an act that could constitute a violation of professional ethics. The Palestinian Coordination group has defended the school, stating the institution did not organize, fund, or sponsor the event and that participation remains entirely individual and voluntary.