Italy Passes Classroom Language Cap and School Veil Ban

The Italian government approved new regulations on Thursday, setting a 30% cap on students in classrooms with limited Italian language skills and banning face-covering veils such as burqas and niqabs in schools.

Premier Giorgia Meloni's government stated the measures aim to promote integration through language learning, with support from right-wing allies.

The decree, which applies to all students regardless of nationality, will be implemented immediately and requires formal approval from parliament within 60 days.

Meloni emphasized the rules are designed to ensure equal opportunities for all students, avoiding segregated classes and supporting those with language challenges.

Critics, including educators and opposition parties, warned the policies could lead to students relocating to schools far from their homes and questioned the government's approach to immigration as a political issue.

Analysts noted the measures may help Meloni strengthen her position with her conservative base ahead of upcoming elections, though implementation details remain unclear.