A report by the Commissioner for Education within the Ombudsman's Office was published yesterday, declaring that a highly controversial directive which restricts teachers' right to speak out violated their right of freedom of expression.
The directive in question had been issued by the director general of the Department of Educational Services last year. This policy referred to educators participating in media appearances (TV, radio, newspapers, vblog, podcast or online publications) provided that the subject matter is directly related to the national curriculum, pedagogy methods, policies, specific initiatives, or other topics directly linked to the educational system in Malta and Gozo.
Among other things, it read that "educators wishing to participate in media appearances must seek prior approval from their line manager." It also read that If approval is granted, educators participating in media must adhere to a strict representation policy, and "ensure that their comments reflect the policies, guidelines, and objectives of the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation," and that participation should not result in the promotion of personal opinions, political ideologies, or any content unrelated to education. It also read that "statements perceived as politically-biased or compromising the educational systems neutrality are to be avoided," among other things.
Education Commissioner Vincent De Gaetano, rightly so, said it "beggars belief that anyone in the educational establishment should require that educators' comments must 'reflect the polices, guidelines and objectives' of the Ministry responsible for education." He said that Educators in the public service do not, by virtue of their public service, lose their right to freedom of expression particularly on matters touching upon their particular area of work.
The Commissioner upheld the complaint by the Union of Professional Educators which argued that the right of freedom of expression was being violated, and recommended that the Ministry responsible for education ensure, by the issue of proper guidelines and directives, that teachers and other educators not engaged in significant managerial roles are free to express their personal opinions about matters touching their area of work without hindrance and without fear of disciplinary proceedings or other negative repercussions.
One hopes that the government will follow the Commissioner's recommendations. The Directive had been an issue of controversy when it became public.
In February, the Nationalist Party had said that those who seek to intimidate teachers are the greatest enemies of freedom of expression, the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) had said that it will not accept that censorship be re-introduced with educators in the education system, the union said in a statement. As this newsroom had said in an editorial late last year, this directive aims to turn educators into nothing short of a government mouthpiece.
It makes absolutely no sense that such restrictions have been placed on educators, who are meant to instil critical thinking into the next generations. It is an attack on their freedom of speech.
The government must follow the Ombudsman's recommendations.