Christian Raimo was suspended from teaching for three months, with a 50% reduction in salary. The disciplinary action was taken by the regional school office for the words spoken by the teacher against Giuseppe Valditara. The writer and teacher, during a public debate on the school and from the stage of the Alleanza Verdi Sinistra party, had lashed out against the Minister of Education, pointing out him as a “soft target” to be hit “as is done with the Black Death in Star Wars”.
“Regarding the recent sanction inflicted on Prof. Christian Raimo following offensive public statements towards Minister Valditara which define the latter as a ‘sloth’ and ‘filthy’ and that ‘he should be struck like the Black Death’ cannot be considered a constructive criticism; on the contrary, they constitute an offense that violates the fundamental principles of mutual respect and civil dialogue”, declared Anna Paola Sabatini, general director of USR Lazio. “It is important to remember that the teacher had already previously been sanctioned because, during an intervention on a television programme, he had stated that he was inciting young people to violence”, he continued.
“The offensive nature of the statements – added Sabatini – takes on a particularly serious character when they are addressed to a representative of the institutions. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that these statements were uttered by a teacher. Teachers play a fundamental role in training of the younger generations and should represent an example of ethical and civil behavior for students. Encouraging respect and tolerance is an integral part of their educational mission”.
#Offense #violates #principle #respect #Tempo
**Interview with Anna Paola Sabatini, General Director of USR Lazio**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Anna Paola. Recently, Christian Raimo, a teacher and writer, was suspended for three months with a reduction in salary due to his remarks about Minister Valditara. Can you explain the reasons behind this disciplinary action?
**Anna Paola Sabatini:** Thank you for having me. The decision to suspend Professor Raimo was made in light of his comments during a public debate, where he made derogatory remarks about Minister Valditara. This includes calling him a “soft target” and referencing him in a manner that suggested he should be hit “like the Black Death.” Such language is not only inappropriate but also violates the standards of respectful discourse that we expect from educators.
**Interviewer:** Many may view this suspension as a limitation on free speech. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Sabatini:** It’s important to clarify that free speech does not grant the right to engage in offensive or disrespectful dialogue, especially from someone in an educational role. Our teachers are role models for their students and are expected to uphold principles of mutual respect and civility. This sanction serves as a reminder of our commitment to fostering a constructive and respectful learning environment.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on what might be considered “constructive criticism” in the context of discussions about education policy?
**Sabatini:** Constructive criticism should be aimed at fostering dialogue and promoting positive change. It should involve reasoned arguments and respect for differing viewpoints. In this case, Professor Raimo’s comments did not contribute to productive discourse; instead, they perpetuated division and disrespect. We encourage all educators to engage in discussions that focus on improvement and understanding, rather than personal attacks.
**Interviewer:** What message do you hope this disciplinary action sends to other educators?
**Sabatini:** The message is clear: while we value free expression and the diverse opinions of our educators, we must also prioritize a culture of respect and professionalism. Disparaging remarks, especially those that undermine our institutions, will not be tolerated. We hope that all educators will reflect on the ways they communicate and strive to engage in dialogues that uplift our educational community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Anna Paola, for sharing your insights on this matter.
**Sabatini:** Thank you for having me.
