An atmosphere of discrimination is quietly brewing within the halls of St Ignatius College, where educators say they are being unfairly targeted for their tattoos - despite the Ministry of Education having no formal policy on body art. The situation is raising serious concerns about selective enforcement and inconsistencies across Malta's public sector, the Union of Professional Educators said Wednesday.

One teacher at the college is currently facing threats of disciplinary action solely for having a visible tattoo, even though they maintain a spotless professional record. Meanwhile, several other staff members at the same institution also display tattoos, yet face no consequences-highlighting the arbitrary and uneven application of unwritten rules.

The only official reference to tattoos within the public service lies in the Public Service Management Code (PSMC), which vaguely states that tattoos should be "adequately covered." However, the code also requires ministries to create their own detailed policies, something the Ministry of Education has so far failed to do, the union said. That failure has allowed schools to impose inconsistent standards, leaving educators vulnerable to personal bias and institutional hypocrisy.

In stark contrast, other public services have adopted clear, measured policies. The Malta Police Force, for example, permits tattoos so long as they are not on the neck, face, or palms, and are not deemed offensive. The Civil Protection Department takes a case-by-case approach, allowing tattoos that can be covered by uniforms. Meanwhile, professions like nursing and midwifery operate under specific, profession-tailored guidelines.

These inconsistencies beg the question: why are educators held to harsher and vaguer standards than other public employees?

"Teachers are being punished for things that other civil servants are allowed to express," said a representative from the Union of Professional Educators. "This isn't about professionalism, it's about outdated ideas and a lack of leadership."

The union has been vocal in its demand for policies that evaluate staff based on their teaching performance, not their appearance. Tattoos, they argue, can be a form of cultural expression, a value protected under the diversity and inclusion principles outlined in the PSMC.

There are also practical concerns. Teachers are often required to wear long sleeves to conceal tattoos, even during summer months in non-air-conditioned classrooms. This not only creates discomfort but poses legitimate health risks-especially for those performing physically demanding roles with children.

The union is calling on Minister of Education Clifton Grima to publicly address two critical questions: Should teachers be disciplined for their appearance rather than their performance? When will the Ministry of Education implement modern, inclusive guidelines-aligning with other public sectors to allow non-offensive tattoos unless proven to hinder job performance?