ADPD Demands Lift on Colonial-Era Gag Order on Teachers

In the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta, at the historic Castille Place, a group of educators gathered yesterday, their voices echoing against the centuries-old buildings. They were not protesting for better wages or working conditions, but for a fundamental right they believe has been denied them for too long – the right to speak freely about their profession.

Colonial-Era Silencing Order

The Association of Democratic Progressive Teachers (ADPD) is calling for the immediate lifting of a colonial-era gag order that prevents teachers from speaking to the media or publishing articles about their work without prior approval from the Ministry of Education. The order, dating back to British rule, has been a contentious issue for years, but it’s only now that teachers are openly challenging it.

“This order is a remnant of a colonial past that has no place in our democratic Malta,” said ADPD President, Joseph Falzon. “Teachers are professionals, and like any other professional, they should have the right to express their views and share their expertise without fear of repercussions.”

Silencing Dissenting Voices

The ADPD argues that the gag order is not about protecting students’ privacy or maintaining discipline, but about silencing dissenting voices. They point to instances where teachers were reprimanded for speaking out about overcrowded classrooms, outdated teaching materials, or the need for more support staff.

“It’s like we’re living in a Kafkaesque world where we’re not allowed to discuss the very issues that affect our students’ learning and our working conditions,” said a high school teacher who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution.

Support from Opposition and Civil Society

The ADPD’s call has been echoed by the Opposition, with Partit Demokratiku’s Education spokesperson, Godfrey Farrugia, stating, “This gag order is an affront to academic freedom and democratic principles. It’s high time we put an end to it.”

Civil society organizations have also weighed in, with the Malta Human Rights Institute calling the order “a violation of teachers’ right to freedom of expression.”

Education Minister, Owen Bonnici, has so far refused to comment on the matter, referring to it as an “internal issue” that the Ministry is “looking into.”

: The Fight for Academic Freedom

The ADPD has vowed to continue its fight for academic freedom, with plans to organize more protests and engage in dialogue with the Ministry. They are also considering legal action if the order is not lifted.

“We’re not just fighting for our right to speak, but for our students’ right to a quality education,” said Falzon. “We can’t provide that if we’re muzzled.”

As the debate around academic freedom in Malta’s education sector continues to heat up, one thing is clear – teachers are no longer willing to stay silent.