Parents Reverse Decision To Withdraw Kids After Meeting

A couple who withdrew their children from San Ġwann’s St Clare College Primary School after learning their teacher, Stefan Vassallo, is gay, have reversed their decision following discussions with the school, Times of Malta reported.

Education Minister Clifton Grima confirmed the parents will keep their children at the school after a “long and cordial” meeting with the administration and Vassallo.

“The school is equipped to provide the best education to all the children of San Ġwann,” Grima told Times of Malta.

The parents had initially objected to Vassallo, citing his rainbow-flagged bag and their conservative values, but explained during the meeting that their decision stemmed from cultural misconceptions about homosexuality.

Having emigrated to Malta from a less accepting society, they had not understood Malta’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ equality.

Times of Malta reported that during the meeting, the parents acknowledged their misunderstanding and decided to keep their children at the school. Vassallo, who has been teaching for a decade, described this as the first time his sexuality had been an issue.

The school, which serves a culturally diverse student body, did not consider changing Vassallo’s teaching role. According to Times of Malta, the meeting resolved the issue amicably, with both sides satisfied.

#MaltaDaily