Court Upholds Parents’ Right to Choose Language of Instruction in Valencia Schools. The High Court of Valencia has recognized the legality of the procedure for selecting the language of instruction in schools. The decision comes amid a teachers’ strike and debates over the role of the Valencian language. Parents will be able to vote on the language starting in 2026.
The High Court of the Valencian Community has recognized as legal the procedure by which parents will be able to choose the primary language of instruction for their children in the region's schools starting from the 2026/2027 academic year. The court's decision marks a key moment in the ongoing conflict between authorities and part of the educational community, which demands a stronger position for the Valencian language in education.
The judicial panel dismissed a lawsuit filed by Compromís representatives, who attempted to challenge the order of the Conselleria de Educación regulating the procedure for consultations among parents. The plaintiffs argued that the process violated the rights of families because voting was to be conducted only online and was not accompanied by financial justification. However, the court found no grounds to annul the order, noting that any possible expenses relate to the implementation of an already adopted law, and that no complaints had been filed regarding irregularities in the voting results.
The decision notes that arguments regarding discrimination against the Valencian language and violation of the Statute of Autonomy were not supported by evidence. The court emphasized that Valencian retains its status as a language of instruction both in traditionally Castilian-speaking and Valencian-speaking areas. In addition, no violations of constitutional practice were found, and the legal costs were assigned to the plaintiffs.
Amidst this decision, the teachers' strike continues, with demands to revise language policy and increase the share of Valencian language in curricula. Representatives of the Valencian government stated that the court ruling confirms the legitimacy of their model and guarantees freedom of choice for families. According to authorities, more than 339,000 families from the region participated in the consultation.
It is worth noting that the court has previously issued similar rulings on this matter, and some have already entered into legal force. The Law on Freedom of Education, under which the new order operates, is being challenged in Spain's Constitutional Court by a group of deputies from Compromís, Sumar, Podemos, Bildu, ERC, Junts, and BNG, but no final decision has yet been made.
Language policy issues in Spain have traditionally sparked intense debate, especially in regions with two official languages. As with migration initiatives, recently covered in the article on the suspension of deportations of migrants with a clean record, decisions by courts and authorities directly affect the daily lives of thousands of families and set long-term rules for the education system.
For reference: in the Valencian Community, both Castilian and Valencian enjoy official status. In recent years, language distribution in schools has become a topic of political and public debate, and any changes in this area are accompanied by legal proceedings and mass protests.
