A circular which was issued to teachers last year has once again come into the spotlight. It is a circular which runs counter to what free speech demands.

It deals with media appearances for educators.

The Union of Professional Educators had come out against the circular and published a copy of it. The circular reads that educators wishing to participate in media appearances must seek prior approval.

It also states, among other things, that educators participating in media must adhere to a strict representation policy, where educators must ensure that their comments reflect the policies, guidelines, and objectives of the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, and that statements perceived as politically-biased or compromising the educational system's neutrality are to be avoided.

The Malta Union of Teachers has launched a petition, requesting the Education Ministry to withdraw the controversial circular which censors educators' voices. "Hindering the professional dialogue of educators in public is tantamount to censorship. This shall have adverse effects on teaching and the students' learning process," it reads.

The petition was kicked off following allegations that a teacher was reprimanded by her headmaster after she publicly spoke out against a new Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) system that introduced constant assessments. The headmaster has denied intimidating the teacher.

Even if one were to ignore the allegations above, it is easy to see that this circular would censor educators and is aimed to turn them into mouthpieces for the government. The circular must be revoked.

Teachers not only have a right, but a duty to speak out if there are issues with the government's policies or educational guidelines, and this circular limits if not stops that. Requiring educators to ensure their comments reflect ministry policies limits what they can or cannot say. In order to improve the education system, free dialogue is required, and teachers must be allowed to speak openly, and not require prior authorisation for appearing on media. A government in the future might, for instance, only grant requests by those who are friendly to it to appear in the media, and those who are critical would have their applications rejected.

An educator should not have to seek prior permission to speak on the media about the national curriculum, or about educational policies, or about anything for that matter. It is just plain wrong.

The University of Malta's Faculty of Education previously also aired concern about the restrictions on educators and urged authorities to lift them. 

"The role of education in a democracy is to foster critical thinking, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good. At a time when democratic principles face unprecedented challenges and where diversity and critical inquiry are often perceived as threats, it is imperative that educators, as models of active citizenship, are empowered to engage openly with the public," Prof. Colin Calleja, Dean of the Faculty of Education wrote last November. "This circular undermines educators' role as exemplars of democratic values and active participation in society. When educators exercise their freedom of speech, they do more than express individual perspectives; they embody the very principles of active citizenship and democratic engagement they seek to instil in their students. In silencing teachers, education is prevented from fulfilling its role of nurturing critical minds central to a robust and thriving democracy."