The recent shift towards an ultra-conservative ideology at the Mare de Déu del Carme school in Terrassa, near Barcelona, has left numerous families alarmed. At least 290 parents have voiced concerns, claiming that the new administration has implemented what they describe as an “ideological coup.” This change has reportedly led to the emergence of extreme Catholic narratives and even elements of historical revisionism related to the Franco regime in classroom discussions.
This discontent was publicly expressed through a manifesto by the platform Recuperem el Karmel, and families have also filed complaints with the educational inspection authorities, which are currently investigating the situation. In response, the Department of Education has set up a mediation commission to address the ongoing conflict.
The issues began when the school”s management transitioned to representatives associated with the ultra-Catholic movement Camino Neocatecumenal, particularly Nuno Pitta. Among the new hires is Lluís Seguí, who has ties to the Communion and Liberation movement and has faced similar complaints in previous educational settings, such as the Liceu Politècnic de Rubi, where allegations of religious indoctrination surfaced in 2016.
Parents characterize Mare de Déu del Carme as traditionally Catalan and open in its religious approach. However, they grew concerned upon learning about the ideology promoted by Seguí, which emphasizes a comprehensive Christian educational vision. In a January interview, he stated, “The administration must develop every aspect of the Christian ideal of education, from the importance of mathematics in primary school to how excursions are organized.” He lamented that many Christian schools in Spain have sidelined religious education in favor of effective management.
Parents have reported troubling statements made by teachers under the new administration. Examples include assertions about Franco”s positive contributions to Spain and derogatory comments regarding historical figures and LGBTQ+ individuals. One parent noted, “This rhetoric subtly influences the curriculum, shifting from a variety of topics to a focus on Biblical passages.” They believe the most significant changes have occurred in secondary education, where adolescents are seen as more impressionable.
Furthermore, parents have expressed concerns over a sudden increase in the number of compulsory mass sessions during school hours, which they believe was unthinkable in previous years. They argue that the school has violated the commitment letter parents sign upon enrollment, which stipulates that religious education should be presented from a critical standpoint without mandatory attendance at religious events. The letter also mandates that classes be conducted in Catalan, a requirement they feel has been disregarded.
The school, however, denies these allegations, asserting that the claims made by parents are false and defamatory. The institution has even pursued legal action against three parents involved in the complaint, demanding compensation for defamation. A spokesperson for the school claimed that the statements attributed to teachers are either taken out of context or outright false, insisting the school has an internal compliance department to investigate such matters.
Despite the school”s assertions that there has been no ideological shift, concerns remain among families, particularly following the dismissal of a long-time director, who has since filed an unfair dismissal claim. The school argues that this leadership change, alongside the arrival of new management, was necessary to correct the institution”s declining academic performance.
This conflict has reached administrative levels, with discussions now extending to the Parliament of Catalonia. In light of this situation, the Catalan Chamber has approved a motion to establish protocols for identifying and intervening in cases of hate speech, ideological indoctrination, or violations of rights within classrooms, alongside immediate withdrawal of funding in such instances.
As the investigation continues, the educational authorities have opened at least two files on the matter, reflecting the seriousness of the complaints and the potential implications for the school”s operational status.
