At the Mare de Déu del Carme school in Terrassa, the academic year began differently than usual. For several months now, the school has been embroiled in controversy: some parents are concerned that the administration has adopted a stricter religious policy. This has caused a rift among families—some support the changes, while others are firmly opposed.
Tensions rose further in the spring, when several parents publicly voiced dissatisfaction with the school’s new direction. In July, the school filed a lawsuit against three of them, accusing them of defamation. Despite this, more than a thousand students returned to their classrooms, but many families admit there is unease and uncertainty about the future. Some prefer not to discuss the situation for fear of repercussions, while others agree to speak only anonymously.
Many parents note that they originally chose this school for its reputation and convenient location, and were not concerned about its religious affiliation. Now, however, as some believe certain beliefs are being imposed on students, some families are considering transferring to another school. One mother shared that her son started asking questions about faith and even became aggressive when told that religion is a personal choice. She also noticed that he began speaking Spanish at home, despite previously using Catalan. This change is due to the fact that, after staff changes, some classes are now taught in Spanish, contrary to the region’s language policy.
There are other concerns as well: parents report homophobic and racist remarks made by certain teachers at the school. For many, this has become an additional source of anxiety, since a teacher serves as a role model for students and their words can strongly influence children.
The situation is felt most acutely by those drawn into legal disputes with the administration. One father who is being sued says that things at the school appear calm now, but this calm might be deceptive. He believes that the administration has changed the school’s original values, and hopes for a reversal.
At the same time, there are families who are completely satisfied with what is happening. One mother, who works at the school and is raising three children, insists that most parents support the administration and that the conflict is being stirred up by a small minority.
In the first days of September, parents of young children just starting school were mostly concerned about their children’s adjustment, rather than the scandals. Some admit they do not believe the rumors and see no reason for concern.
While the investigation into the complaints continues and the Catalunya Department of Education has yet to draw conclusions, the atmosphere at the school remains tense. Parents are waiting for the outcome and hoping for a quick resolution to the conflict.
