Clifton Grima Defends Primary School After Child Was Removed Because Their Teacher Was Gay
Education Minister Clifton Grima has defended St Clare College Primary School after a child was removed by their parents because their teacher was gay.
“The question I ask myself, both as a minister and as a parent, about what I want my children to gain from the education system, is a simple one: whether the necessary tools are in place for children to reach their full potential. Every other question would be superfluous, with answers that do not impact the educational journey of our children,” Grima wrote on social media.
Grima described the school as one of the “best educational communities in our country. This is thanks to the staff and the harmony and collaboration with the local San Ġwann community.”
He went on to praise the institution for the way it handled the situation which saw a child being removed from the San Ġwann school because having a teacher that is gay conflicted with their “personal values”.
The couple was reported saying that they “did not like the idea of children mixing with people ‘who are not straight,’” ultimately leading to their decision of moving their children to a “more suitable” environment. The mother specifically clarified that this issue is not a professional one, but one solely rooted in her personal preference.
Stefan Vassallo, the teacher working for 10 years, stated that this type of discrimination was the first he’s experienced in his field.
Vassallo told the Times of Malta that he had never met the parents of this child prior to this incident and he sent them a letter explaining that their “protection” of their children, could easily result in long-term damage.
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