The Education Ministry’s recent directive, requiring educators to seek prior approval before speaking to the media, has sparked a heated debate over teachers’ freedom of expression and professional autonomy.

Under the directive, Circular DES 28.2024, issued in late September, educators across all levels must obtain written permission and disclose their intended topics before engaging with any media outlet. Additionally, any granted statements must align with ministry policies, prohibiting personal or politically charged commentary.

The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has voiced opposition, requesting the directive’s immediate withdrawal.

The UPE warned that these restrictions risk fostering self-censorship among educators, who may feel stifled from sharing critical insights due to fear of departmental repercussions. Highlighting constitutional protections of free speech, the UPE argued that withholding educators’ professional viewpoints deprives public discourse of essential, well-informed perspectives.

Arnold Cassola, an independent candidate and academic, was the first to file a complaint against the directive, calling it a “fascist” imposition on educators’ freedoms.

However, the Ombudsman declined his request for investigation, stating that only Education Ministry employees have standing to pursue it under Article 17 (2)(c) of the Ombudsman Act.

Cassola has now called on active educators and unions to challenge the directive, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard the voices of educators who engage in public policy debates and community initiatives.

#MaltaDaily