A scandal has erupted in Castilla y León after reports emerged about an unusual practice at one of the region’s schools. A teacher working with students aged 13-14 asked them to fill out a questionnaire containing questions about their sexual identity and preferences.
According to materials published in the official resolution, the educator encouraged teenagers to reflect on their orientation and consider the possibility of relationships with people of the same sex. The questionnaire addressed personal issues, such as when the teenagers realized their heterosexuality, how their parents feel about it, and why they choose partners of the opposite sex. Some questions implied that students should consider changing their orientation or trying something new.
Initially, the survey was supposed to be anonymous, but later the students were asked to sign their questionnaires. This sparked a wave of discontent among students and their parents. Several families demanded the return of the completed surveys, as they were unsure whether their children had voluntarily agreed to disclose such information.
According to her, the teacher aimed to encourage students to reflect on tolerance and respect for different identities. However, during an internal review, it was found that the school administration and the student affairs department were unaware such an activity had taken place. At the time of the investigation, the teacher was already on sick leave, which made it difficult to obtain further clarifications.
Regional authorities considered the teacher’s actions a possible violation of the right to privacy, as established by the Spanish Constitution and relevant laws. Particular attention was paid to the fact that minors were involved, whose consent for processing personal data requires special conditions.
As a result, the department recommended an internal investigation to determine where the questionnaires were stored, who had access to them, and whether they had been distributed. It was also suggested that the questionnaires be returned to the students and measures be taken to prevent similar situations in the future.
