Rome – The Italian government has drawn up a draft decree that would impose a fine of up to €1,000 on any student who wears a burqa in a school setting and would set a ceiling of 30% for foreign‑born pupils in first‑grade classrooms. The measures, announced by the Ministry of Education, are part of a broader push to standardise school attire and to address what officials describe as an “excessive” share of non‑Italian students in early grades.
Burqa ban and fines
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the draft decree specifies that any student found wearing a full-face veil – commonly referred to as a burqa – in a public school could be subject to a monetary penalty of up to €1,000. The New Arab reported that the proposal effectively bans the burqa in schools, while L'Unione Sarda.it echoed the same fine figure and the intent to enforce it through school administrations.
"The draft decree would impose fines of up to €1,000 for wearing a burqa in schools," the agencies noted.
The government has framed the rule as a measure to preserve the secular and uniform nature of public education, arguing that full-face coverings hinder communication and security within classrooms. Critics, however, warn that the penalty could disproportionately affect Muslim girls and raise concerns about religious discrimination.
Foreign student cap
In parallel, the same draft sets a quantitative limit on the enrolment of foreign‑origin students in first‑grade ("prima elementare") classes, capping the share at 30%. The provision, reported by both ANSA and L'Unione Sarda.it, aims to prevent what officials describe as an over‑concentration of non‑Italian pupils that could strain resources and affect integration outcomes.
The policy emerges amid a broader national debate on immigration and integration. Italy has seen a rise in school enrolments of children from migrant families, particularly in regions with high arrival rates. By establishing a numerical threshold, the government says it seeks to ensure balanced classroom composition and to maintain the quality of education for all students.
While the decree remains a draft, it is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval before being submitted to Parliament. No parliamentary vote has yet taken place, and the proposals are still subject to revision based on feedback from educational bodies, civil‑rights groups, and regional authorities.
Human‑rights organisations have already voiced opposition, arguing that the fine for burqa wear infringes on freedom of religion and that the 30% cap could be interpreted as a form of indirect discrimination against immigrant families. The European Union’s fundamental rights framework, which Italy is obliged to respect, may also become a point of contention if the decree is enacted.
Supporters within the government contend that the measures are necessary to preserve a cohesive educational environment and to address parental concerns about classroom overcrowding. They argue that the policies are neutral, focusing on attire and demographic balance rather than targeting any specific community.
As the draft moves through the legislative pipeline, Italy’s approach to school governance is likely to be scrutinised both domestically and abroad. The outcome could set a precedent for how European nations reconcile secular education policies with the cultural and religious diversity of their student populations.
