Shadow Education Minister Justin Schembri called out the authorities for “censoring” maths teacher Joanna Mallia.“Do you remember the censorship of teachers, when we were told to keep our mouths shut?” Schembri asked.“Do you remember when I filed a complaint with the Commissioner for Education within the Ombudsman’s office, requesting an investigation into the circular that silences teachers, issued on 1st November 2024 (and to this day, we still don’t know its outcome)?”“Do you remember how the Minister stated only a week ago that no teacher would be reprimanded or prevented from speaking out?”“I have now learned that a teacher who spoke publicly on television was reprimanded from above. So what Clifton Grima said is simply not true.” View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)During a recent debate on Jon Mallia’s Il-Każin show, Joanna Mallia challenged Grima over the new O Level system, which she warned is increasing the stress levels of several students.She said that after she spoke out, her headmaster informed her that his superiors (ta’ fuqi) inquired whether she had been given permission.This was in line with a government circular issued last year requiring educators who speak publicly about the education system to seek prior approval from their line managers and to ensure their comments reflect the ministry’s policies and guidelines.Mallia told Lovin Malta that she didn’t feel the need to ask for permission because she was merely expressing her personal opinion, which even Grima said is permitted.Several other people criticised this circular, with Il-Progressivi politicians Cyrus Engerer denouncing it as a “fatwa against free speech” and ADPD leader Sandra Gauci (herself a teacher) warning it is an attempt to shut teachers up.•