The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) said Wednesday it is disheartening to see professional capabilities overshadowed by personal identities.
In a statement, the UPE said it believes that a teacher's qualifications and abilities are independent of their sexual orientation. A teacher's competence, dedication, and passion for fostering a positive learning environment should be what truly matters.
The UPE was reacting to news reports that parents withdrew children from a particular school, St Clare College Primary of San Gwann, after they discovered that their son's new teacher was gay.
The couple said they are a conservative family and did not like the idea of children mixing with people "who are not straight", The Times reports.
The UPE said it strives to be a bastion and sanctuary for individuals with diverse needs, regardless of race, religion, or creed. Moreover, we want to extend our unwavering support to the affected school staff during these challenging times. "The UPE is prepared to assist in any way possible, ensuring that educators feel valued and supported in their roles," the union said.
As we move forward, we encourage parents, students, and educators to stand against discrimination and embrace the values of acceptance and understanding. Together, we can create a school culture that reflects the diverse world we live in, fostering not only academic excellence but also the development of compassionate citizens.
GWU stands firmly with teacher
The General Workers' Union (GWU), in a separate statement, firmly expressed its disappointment over the situation involving the teacher and unequivocally stands in solidarity with him.
"The union also praises the school principal for taking a strong stance against the parents' request to remove their child from the class due to the teacher's sexual orientation," it said.
"Malta was amongst the first countries in the European Union to champion the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, but the persistence of incidents like this is unacceptable. Such actions demonstrate that some parents are actively denying their child the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and are instead perpetuating harmful stigmas," the GWU asserted.
The union said that "discrimination or prejudice based on gender or sexual orientation is not only unethical but also illegal. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive education, starting with our youngest children. We must teach them the diversity and complexity of the world they inhabit and, crucially, the undeniable benefits that come from embracing inclusivity."