Parents U-Turn And Decide To Keep Children In Gay Teacher’s School
Parents who, earlier this week, decided to take out their child from a San Ġwann primary school because their teacher was gay reversed their decision after discussing the matter with the school.
The parents decided to keep their children at St Clare College Primary School after a meeting with the institution’s administration as well as the teacher in question, Stefan Vassallo, the Times of Malta reported.
This was confirmed by Education Minister Clifton Grima who emphasised that this school is “equipped to provide the best education to all the children of San Ġwann”.
The news of the child being pulled out of school broke on Wednesday and led to a nation-wide reaction, with the large majority of people – from activists, politicians, NGOs and academics, defending Vassallo.
The seasoned teacher even published the letter he sent to the parents wherein he admitted the situation “triggered a sense of shame” in him.
Vassallo and the head of school even met with Prime Minister Robert Abela who said he “enjoyed listening about how much the educational community has come together, and how we have dedicated educators who deserve every praise”.
The parents took issue with the teacher’s orientation because they are a “conservative family” who do not like the idea of children mixing with people who are not heterosexual. They specifically pointed out the fact that he wore a bag embellished with a rainbow flag – a symbol of inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community.
According to media reports, the parents decision was not rooted in hatred towards gay people, but rather, cultural differences. Having emigrated to Malta just a couple of years ago, they were unaware of the normality of having a gay person in the presence of children. After the story erupted across Malta, they understood that the LGBTQ+ community is treated equally.