Meloni plans to ban burqas and niqabs in Italian schools, and cap foreign students in classrooms

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🗞️ Driving the news: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to introduce measures that would ban burqas and niqabs in schools, cap the number of foreign students per classroom and require Italian lessons for some parents of foreign students
• The government has not yet specified the proposed classroom cap, and the measure would need parliamentary approval to become law

🔭 The context: Meloni presented the measures as part of a broader approach to language learning and integration
• Students without Italian citizenship currently account for about 11.6% of enrolments, according to Fondazione ISMU
• The proposal specifically mentions burqas and niqabs but not the hijab

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The broader relevance to sustainability is limited, however, education and integration policies can influence long-term social cohesion and access to public services.

⏭️ What’s next: The proposal is expected to go before Italy’s Cabinet before moving to Parliament. The details of the foreign-student limit and the implementation of compulsory language lessons remain to be defined

💬 One quote: “For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, understand our culture, and respect our rules.” — Giorgia Meloni

📈 One stat: 11.6% of students enrolled in Italian schools are not Italian citizens, according to Fondazione ISMU

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