Malta: ADPD Pushes to Lift Colonial-Era Gag on Teachers
Silenced Educators: ADPD Calls for Lifting Colonial-Era Gag on Maltese Teachers
Imagine a classroom in Malta’s historic Old Town, perhaps in the grand building of St. Aloysius College on South Street. The teacher, brimming with knowledge and passion, stands before their students, eager to inspire. But there’s a hitch. They can’t discuss certain topics freely. Why? Because of a colonial-era law that’s still on the books.
This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It’s a reality that the Alternattiva Demokratika (ADPD) party is fighting to change. They’re calling for the immediate lifting of a colonial-era gag order that prevents teachers from discussing politics, religion, and other sensitive topics in the classroom.
Colonial Shackles in the 21st Century
Enacted under British rule, the Education Act of 1933 still stands today. It prohibits teachers from discussing certain subjects in class, fearing disciplinary action or even dismissal. This law, a relic of Malta’s colonial past, is at odds with the island’s democratic present.
“It’s absurd that in the 21st century, teachers in Malta are still bound by a colonial-era gag order,” says Michael Briguglio, ADPD’s education spokesperson. “This law stifles open debate and critical thinking, two things we should be encouraging in our schools.”
Silencing Debate, Stifling Growth
ADPD argues that this law hinders Malta’s progress. It prevents teachers from discussing current affairs and encourages students to accept information without question. “We want our students to be critical thinkers, to engage in debate, and to form their own opinions,” Briguglio says. “But how can they do that if their teachers are muzzled?”
the law is rarely enforced, making it a toothless tiger that still casts a long shadow. “It’s the threat of enforcement that’s most damaging,” Briguglio explains. “Teachers self-censor, and that’s not healthy for our education system.”
A Call to Action
ADPD is calling on the government to repeal this law immediately. They’ve proposed an amendment to the Education Act that would protect teachers’ academic freedom. “We want teachers to be able to discuss politics, religion, and other sensitive topics in an educational context,” Briguglio says. “We want our classrooms to be places of open debate and learning.”
But the party isn’t just waiting for the government to act. They’re also reaching out to teachers, encouraging them to share their experiences and stories. “We want to build a groundswell of support for this change,” Briguglio says. “We want every teacher in Malta to know that we’re fighting for their right to teach freely.”
