The University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA) has expressed concerns regarding a recent directive from the Education Ministry that imposes limitations on teachers’ freedom of speech.

This comes as educators must now get written approval before speaking to the media and inform superiors of their intended topics.

UMASA has emphasised the importance of academic freedom and the right of educators to engage in critical debates and express their opinions without fear of negative repercussions.

“Silencing voices would suppress the very dialogue among stakeholders that makes it possible to find solutions moving forward,” it said in a statement. 

“As a union, we are also concerned about the threatening implications of this for activism, as well as for union participation and representation, which should not be restricted.”

They assert that educators serve the public good rather than government interests, and that the space for discussion, the right to dissent, and the right to be socially and politically engaged are vital to their professional duties and individual rights.

UMASA’s position underscores the need to protect educators’ rights to free expression, ensuring they can fulfil their roles effectively and contribute to the public discourse without undue restriction.