Malta’s education system should always incentivise educators who embrace inclusive and innovative principles, Education Minister Clifton Grima has said in the wake of the termination of a headmaster at a Catholic college.

“Educators who promote these principles should be encouraged in their work as these are the same principles that our society should always embrace,” Grima told Lovin Malta.

Mario Mallia was recently fired from his position as Headmaster and he claims his tenure was terminated over the introduction of inclusive measures at the Catholic school. The school has denied the claims, insisting that it was the result of “various managerial and procedural issues”.

The decision to axe Mallia after 16 years as headmaster of the school led to a flood of outrage on social media, from former students and colleagues to other academics, popular opinionists and even TikTok star Henry Galea.

Grima did avoid commenting on the specifics of the case, noting that catholic schools are independent and do not fall within the responsibility of the Ministry for Education.

He did say however that there are naturally relevant laws that regulate termination of employment.

The Malta Union of Teachers has also come out against the dismissal, insisting that it will no longer work with the school while calling for resignation from the board of governors and the rector.

What do you think of the Minister’s comments?