Spanish Catholic schools are appealing to the government to ensure the right to freedom of education that is enshrined in the laws of the country. The new education legislation approved by the Spanish government last March, also known as “LOMLOE” (Ley Orgánica de Modificación de la LOE), is an important modification to the LOE, the previous education law.

LOMLOE is a reform of the education system that aims to solve problems of leaving school too early for young people, repetition of classes, etc. However, it recommends eliminating the obligation to include religious education in high school. In addition, religious education grades will no longer count for university admission or scholarships. Instead of religion – in all primary and secondary schools – education in civic and ethical values ​​is to be enforced.

Expressing their concern, Spanish Catholic schools point out that education reforms can “suppress teaching in private schools, making them subsidiary to public schools.”

To guarantee the right to freedom of education, Catholic schools maintain that “it is necessary to develop public funding schemes for private schools”. This proposal – is in line with the European Parliament resolution of June 2018, in which governments are encouraged to “provide adequate financial support to all schools – private and public, as part of social inclusion and respect for freedom of choice of education”.

Catholic schools point out that it is necessary to “overcome differences and conflicts to implement an educational pact that promotes complementarity between public and private systems.” They call for a “broad social debate” which recognises that the diversity of schools “reflects the diversity of European societies”. They also point out that while public education in Spain is important, it should not be the only type of education available.

Source: pch24.pl