Mario Mallia Was Terminated Due To ‘Various Managerial’ Issues That ‘Remained Unresolved’ For Years, Valletta College Says
A Valletta college at the centre of controversy after firing a popular headmaster has clarified why it terminated Mario Mallia’s tenure.
“The Board of St Albert the Great College and the Rector categorically deny the unfounded allegations that have been circulating publicly, and were also published by certain media outlets, regarding the termination of employment of Mario Mallia due to disagreement on policies of inclusion,” the college said in a statement Wednesday morning.
“The termination of Mallia’s situation within the College is the result of various managerial and procedural issues, which have been accumulating over a period of time and which regrettably remained unresolved.”
“For many years the said Dominican Province has financially, and by other means, sustained the running of the College, even during the tenure of Mallia as headmaster. Since its inception 74 years ago, the College was already offering education to students from all walks of life.”
“For a long time the province sought to assist families and students who were unable to support their education.”
Their statement comes after Mallia said he had been fired following the rollout of a number of inclusive policies in the school, as well as due to him being politically involved with ADPD.
“The Board of St Albert the Great College has always had at heart all policies aimed at improving the lives of its students, their families and its educators alike, including policies of inclusivity, which it has always embraced, and which it will continue to push forward in the years to come with the same vision and perseverance,” the college continued.
“We feel that this is our duty, and the Board remains committed to its primary objective of ensuring the education and wellbeing of all entrusted to its care.”
“In light of the above, the Board of the College of St. Albert the Great does not consider it opportune to make further public comments on these matters. It is willing to do so in the right fora and when the time is ripe. This is without prejudice to all intents and purposes at law.”
The news that Mallia had been sacked 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 and popular opinionists.
Andrew Azzopardi, the Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, called out the “cancelling” of Mallia due to his personal views in a public statement alongside others from the likes of Xarabank host Peppi Azzopardi and even from members of activist group Moviment Graffitti.
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