Mass walkouts are planned at educational institutions in Madrid on October 3. Teachers and staff from schools, colleges, and universities intend to protest against new restrictions introduced by regional authorities. The action comes in response to a recent directive banning any displays of support for Gaza residents and prohibiting discussion of the Palestinian issue within educational settings.
Organizers of the protest argue that such measures violate fundamental rights to freedom of expression and academic independence. According to them, the regional administration has demanded the removal of all symbols related to Palestine from classrooms and hallways, including flags, drawings of doves, and even images of watermelons, which have become an unofficial symbol of solidarity. In some cases, teachers were forced to remove clothing bearing such symbols, and words like “Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “genocide” have been banned.
The protests will take place in two phases: from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Not only teachers, but also administrative staff and employees of the Ministry of Education are invited to join. The main slogan of the action — “Education against barbarism. Freedom to teach, freedom to learn” — reflects educators’ desire to restore an environment of open dialogue and respect for human rights in schools.
Examples of pressure include an incident at a lycée where a teacher was disciplined for wearing a T-shirt with the Chilean club Palestino (Club Deportivo Palestino) emblem, which was interpreted as a political gesture. According to educators, such actions contradict not only the spirit of education but also the Spanish Constitution, which requires fostering respect for human rights, solidarity, and democracy among youth.
Parents of students are also supporting the strike. They believe that children have the right to know what is happening in the world and to discuss complex topics in a safe and professional environment. Representatives of parent associations emphasize that schools should teach not only academic subjects but also civic responsibility.
At the same time, student organizations declared a general strike the day before, on October 2. Young people are demanding an end to official ties with Israel and insist that defending the rights of Palestinians is part of the broader struggle for justice and human rights.
Meanwhile, the platform ‘Palestinian Wave: Education against Genocide’ (Marea Palestina: Educación contra el Genocidio) appealed to the State Education Council, urging them to urgently address the situation. Teachers are demanding official protection for those who continue informing students about events in Gaza, despite pressure and threats from the administration. In their view, silencing what is happening is an unacceptable act of authoritarianism that contradicts the country’s laws.
A heated debate is unfolding in Madrid over the boundary between politics and the right to education. Educators and parents insist that schools cannot remain indifferent to world events, and that prohibitions only heighten tension and distrust. In the coming days, it will become clear whether the protest will prompt a review of the controversial decisions or if the conflict will only escalate.
