Students Occupy Milan High School, Citing Government Disinterest and Matura Reforms
Milan, March 24, 2026 – Students at the Vittorio Veneto Scientific High School in Milan initiated an occupation of their school building on Tuesday morning, marking the eleventh such protest in Milanese schools since the beginning of the academic year. The action, which saw a partial but significant student turnout, aims to draw attention to what they describe as the government’s neglect of the education system and concerns over the proposed Matura exam reforms.
The occupation commenced after several months of similar protests across the city, including a recent week-long occupation at the Manzoni classical high school. While not all sections of the Vittorio Veneto school joined the protest, classes continued regularly in some, particularly for fifth-year students. Following negotiations with the school principal, Mariarosa Arena, the organizing committee agreed to conclude activities by 5:30 PM, opting not to remain overnight for security reasons. A school assembly is scheduled for Wednesday morning during the last two hours of lessons.
Students’ Demands: Funding, War Spending, and Matura Exam
In a communiqué, the occupying students stated, “Our choice is not a sign of disrespect, but a decisive gesture to address critical issues both within and outside the environment we experience daily.” They specifically denounced “the disinterest of the current political class towards the school system.”
The students highlighted a perceived disparity in government spending, noting that while “many single projects are funded sporadically in selected schools, ceasing once funds are exhausted,” military spending has reportedly increased. They claim approximately 35 billion euros have been invested in war expenditure by the current government over the past two years, stating, “We refuse to support the initiatives of political representatives who finance the genocide in Palestine.”
Criticism was also leveled at Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara and the proposed Matura exam reforms. The students argue that “reducing the number of required subjects and making the exam a purely notional interrogation does not make the test fairer or more effective; it impoverishes it.” They advocate for investment in resources, valuing the plurality of subjects, and recognizing the complexity of their educational journey, rather than simplifying it “downwards.”
Infrastructure Concerns and Principal’s Response
Beyond policy, the students also raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure within the school. They reported that “currently, the school has little more than 40 usable bathrooms for 56 classes, many lacking locks and some even doors.” They also pointed to unfulfilled promises regarding “new didactics,” including equipped classrooms, modern spaces, lockers, and new technological tools.
Principal Mariarosa Arena acknowledged the protest, stating, “I spoke at length with the promoters of the protest. For us, it was important that the agitation did not continue during the night hours, because staying at school overnight would have entailed security risks.” She confirmed that teachers were on duty and lessons were not suspended, and that those who wished to attend classes were not prevented from doing so. Regarding the students’ claims, Arena described their document as addressing “systemic issues,” noting that current activities primarily involve recreational moments using sports facilities.
Ministry of Education Rejects Claims
The Ministry of Education (Mim) has strongly refuted the students’ assertions regarding funding and the Matura exam. A Ministry spokesperson stated that the claims were “absolutely false,” emphasizing that “education spending increased by 9% in 2025 and an additional 1.7% in 2026.”
Minister Valditara, when illustrating the Matura reforms, explained that they represent “a further step towards a school that centers on the student’s person and accompanies their growth with seriousness and competence.” He countered the notion of “notionism,” asserting, “We want to verify reasoning skills and not rote memorization.” The Minister also clarified that the study of subjects not appearing on the exam should not be neglected, as “admission assessments will take into account the overall final evaluation, and neglecting them is not a sign of responsibility.” The new structure, with two written exams and an oral exam on four subjects, is intended to be “clearer and provide greater certainty,” eliminating issues from previous Matura exams where initial documents were chosen discretionarily and often forced improbable interdisciplinary connections.
The occupation at Vittorio Veneto High School is part of a broader wave of student activism in Milan, highlighting ongoing tensions between students and educational authorities regarding funding, curriculum, and the future of the Italian education system.
Source: https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_24/milano-occupato-il-liceo-vittorio-veneto-la-politica-si-disinteressa-della-scuola-e-la-reforma-impoverisce-la-maturita-4ba58816-61be-465c-89af-7a6589de1xlk.shtml
