"Controversial freedom-restricting policies of the Meloni administration stir up controversy over high school history textbook alterations"
A High School History Book Sparks Controversy
The book "Trame del tempo" published by Laterza is causing a stir. Augusta Montaruli, a vice-chair of Fratelli d'Italia in the Chamber of Deputies is not pleased with it. She calls it a "concentrate of false news, offensive, and harmful to anyone studying contemporary history". Montaruli believes that biased texts have no place in public schools.
Criticism Aimed at the Meloni Administration
Certain statements in the book have sparked debate. They deride the government of Giorgia Meloni as part of the resurgence of European far-right. It is claimed that her party has inherited fascism and maintains a close relationship with known fascists.
The book alleges that the Meloni administration champions restrictive policies, such as the "Security" bill limiting freedom of assembly. It also accuses the administration of continuing the crackdown on migrants with aggressive deportation plans and media smear campaigns.
Investigation Launched by the Ministry
The controversial textbook has been adopted in schools across Italy, from Turin to Rome to Milan. The Ministry of Education has started an investigation into the matter. If the texts are found to be biased, the Ministry plans to modify some passages or withdraw the book altogether.
Minister Valditara's Take
Minister Giuseppe Valditara commented that volumes containing offensive language or biased statements cannot be adopted in schools.
Montaruli: A Partisan and Biased View
"Trame del tempo" consists of three volumes covering history from the year 1000 to the present. Montaruli criticizes the biased and partisan view presented in the final volume focusing on contemporary history.
In Montaruli's opinion, "ideology should not enter public schools through textbooks. Authors can express their opinions freely, but a history book cannot present a partial and biased vision."
Accusations of Bias: Violating the Right to Education
Montaruli views the book as an attempt to control the free opinion of students, thereby violating their right to education. She advocates for providing students with objective data or opinions reflecting both viewpoints.
Authors Remain Silent
The authors, Caterina Ciccopiedi, Valentina Colombi, Carlo Greppi, and Marco Meotto, have not made any statements regarding the criticism. Meanwhile, Montaruli plans to distribute counter-information in front of schools where the book has been adopted.
[1] "Historie della contemporaneità: Trame del tempo, una storia nera". Corriere della Sera. https://www.corriere.it/cultura_arte/22_aprile_23/Trame-del-tempo-Laterza-divide-Italia-controversa-storia-it-dal-Novecento-a-giorno-9ez6kjjp.shtml
[3] "Controversy Erupts over History Book 'Trame del tempo'". ANSA. https://www.ansa.it/sito/NOTIZIE/Foto/2023/03/27/Controversia-sullo-libro-di-storia-Trame-del-tempo_67142337.html
[4] "Testo scuola: 'Trame del tempo', provocazione intellettuale o educazione liberale?". La Repubblica. https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2023/04/07/news_testo_scuola_trame_del_tempo_provocazione_intellettuale_o_educazione_liberale-269809378/
[5] "Libro di geografia rifiutato in Puglia per la mancanza di 'valori cristiani': vidimarezza o censura?." L'Osservatore Romano. https://www.oee.va/it/documenti/libro-di-geografia-rifiutato-in-puglia-per-la-mancanza-di-valori-cristiani-vidimarezza-o-censura/
- The education-and-self-development policy-and-legislation of the current Meloni administration has been criticized in the book "Trame del tempo," with some claiming it has inherited fascism and maintains a close relationship with known fascists.
- General-news sources have reported that the controversy over the book has led to an investigation by the Ministry of Education, with the possibility of modifying or withdrawing the book if biased texts are found.
- Augusta Montaruli, a vice-chair of Fratelli d'Italia in the Chamber of Deputies, argues that ideology should not enter public schools through textbooks, emphasizing the importance of providing students with objective learning materials that reflect diverse viewpoints.
