Italian school’s decision to declare first day of Ramadan official holiday sparks debate
An elementary school in northern Italy’s decision to declare the first day of Ramadan a holiday drew criticism from far-right politicians
In an elementary school in Italy, a controversy erupts as the administration decides to declare the first day of Ramadan as a holiday, drawing criticism from members of the right-wing coalition government.
The Iqbal Masih Elementary School in Pioltello, near Milan, which educates around 1200 students, predominantly from Muslim families, opted to close its doors for a day during Ramadan, similar to its practice during Easter.
The school’s principal, Alessandro Fanfoni, defended the decision, citing increased absenteeism on the first day of Ramadan in previous years and the desire to ensure equal rights for all students.
“We cannot ignore the reality. For many of our students, this holiday is a tradition, and Italian classmates often join in to share this moment,” Fanfoni emphasized.
‘We do not want such a model for Italy and Europe’
However, the move sparked polemics from the far-right League Party, a coalition partner.
Silvia Sardone, an MEP from Milan representing the League, criticized the decision as a step toward “strengthening Islamization,” echoing sentiments expressed by Matteo Salvini, the party leader and Deputy Prime Minister.
Salvini denounced the school’s action as contradictory to Italian values, identity, and traditions. He expressed discontent with efforts to remove Catholic symbols like crosses from classrooms.
“We do not want such a model for Italy and Europe,” Salvini asserted, emphasizing opposition to any accommodation of what he perceived as an encroachment on national identity.
Italy’s Education Minister and League member Giuseppe Valditara instructed authorities to examine the school’s decision, highlighting that schools cannot unilaterally establish new holidays.
“Frankly, schools cannot directly or indirectly establish new holidays. This is a legal matter, not a political dispute,” Valditara, a right-leaning politician who previously served as an advisor to Salvini, emphasized.
‘A symbol of civilization’
Pioltello Mayor Ivonne Cosciotti supported the school’s decision, considering it a symbol of civilization in a municipality with 20% foreigners.
Responding to political criticisms, some students and Muslim residents of Pioltello expressed bewilderment at the controversy, asserting their simple request for an acknowledgment of their holiday tradition.
“It’s just one day. We don’t understand the problem, but Salvini seems to be the only one saying this. We represent half of the population here and just want one day to celebrate our holiday,” a local resident remarked.
Source: Newsroom
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