Malta Teachers Demand End to Colonial-Era Gag Order
Silenced No More: Teachers Demand End to Colonial-Era Gag Order
Imagine, if you will, a classroom in Malta’s historic Old University Street, filled with eager students. Now, picture their history teacher, bound by a 19th-century gag order, unable to discuss certain topics freely. This isn’t a scene from a period drama, but a reality faced by Maltese educators today. The Association of Democratic Progressive Teachers (ADPD) is calling for an end to this ‘colonial-era gag’, arguing that it stifles academic freedom and hinders students’ holistic development.
Unshackling History: The Colonial-Era Gag Order
The gag order in question is a remnant of British colonial rule, dating back to the 1870s. It prohibits teachers from discussing politics, religion, and other ‘controversial’ topics in the classroom. While it was meant to maintain order and prevent unrest, the ADPD argues that it’s now outdated and counterproductive. “It’s like trying to teach history with one hand tied behind your back,” says ADPD President, Mark Mallia.
Mallia points out that the gag order is particularly problematic in Malta’s diverse, multicultural classrooms. “We have students from various backgrounds, with different beliefs and experiences. How can we foster critical thinking and understanding if we can’t discuss and debate these issues openly?”
Lifting the Gag: A Modern Approach to Education
The ADPD is advocating for a more modern, progressive approach to education. They propose replacing the gag order with guidelines that promote open, respectful dialogue. “We’re not saying teachers should impose their views on students,” Mallia clarifies. “Rather, we want them to have the freedom to facilitate discussions, encourage different perspectives, and help students form their own opinions.”
Support for the ADPD’s stance is growing. The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) has expressed solidarity, with MUT President, Marco Bonnici, stating, “We need to trust our educators to navigate these discussions responsibly. They’re professionals, not automatons.”
Next Steps: Unmuzzling Malta’s Educators
The ADPD is calling on the government to initiate a dialogue on revising the gag order. They’ve proposed a task force comprising educators, parents, students, and other stakeholders to develop new guidelines. “We’re not asking for the moon,” Mallia says. “We’re asking for the freedom to do our jobs effectively, to prepare our students for the complex, diverse world they’ll inherit.”
As for those students in the Old University Street classroom, they deserve a teacher who can discuss history openly, warts and all. They deserve a teacher who can inspire critical thinking, foster understanding, and prepare them for the future. And that’s exactly what Malta’s educators are fighting for.
