Giorgia Meloni Proposes School Ban on Burqas and Student Quotas

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a series of proposed education reforms on September 20, 2026, aimed at restricting the influence of foreign cultures in Italian schools. Speaking at a youth festival in Rome, Meloni unveiled plans to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools, characterizing the move as a "question of civilisation" and asserting that gender equality is non-negotiable. The proposed ban specifically targets full-face coverings and does not include the hijab.

To prevent Italian children from feeling like a minority in their own classrooms, the government intends to establish a legal cap on the number of foreign students per class. Education and Merit Minister Giuseppe Valditara stated the government seeks to codify an existing 30% framework for pupils with non-Italian citizenship into formal legislation. Meloni argued that high concentrations of non-Italian speakers constitute "neglect" rather than integration.

Additionally, the measures would mandate Italian language lessons for parents of foreign students who face serious integration difficulties. The proposal must receive approval from the Council of Ministers and then parliamentary approval within 60 days to become law. These initiatives come as Meloni seeks to bolster her right-wing stance on migration ahead of next year's general election.

Roberto Vannacci, leader of the Futuro Nazionale party, supported the measures but claimed they were overdue. The government presented these changes as necessary for the functioning of the school system and the integration of newcomers.