The choice of the Pioltello state comprehensive school to close on April 10th, the day of the end of Ramadan celebration, is causing discussion.
This is a "worrying decision" according to Northern League MEP Silvia Sardone, who speaks of a "process of Islamisation".
Instead, it is "an act of civility" according to Ivonne Cosciotti, the mayor of the town on the outskirts of Milan with a population of 20% foreigners.
The decision was made unanimously by the school board last May when the school year calendar was approved.
In fact, each school has the possibility to decide independently to close on certain days, provided that there are at least 200 days of lessons per year.
And the state comprehensive school named after Iqbal Masih - the twelve-year-old Pakistani killed in 1995 for his commitment against the exploitation of child labor - has chosen not a day to allow families to go on a ski holiday, but rather an anniversary which is celebrated by a large portion of the students.
In fact, 40% are of Muslim origin, most of whom were already at home for the end of Ramadan.
"There are those who object but I find it an act of civility - Cosciotti told ANSA -. I didn't know it, but my answer would not have been different. I think that the comprehensive institute in scholastic autonomy has done a choice that makes sense and value. We try everything to create disagreement, but the children go to school together and are ahead of their parents. And in our school there is also the crucifix. Traditions are respected."
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