Debate Continues Over Islamic Religious Education at New Almoradí Primary School

Debate Continues Over Islamic Religious Education at New Almoradí Primary School
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The planned opening of a new public primary school in Almoradí, in the Valencian Community, has ignited discussion after officials confirmed that Islamic religious education will not be offered as an option at the school when it opens in September 2026.

This subject has been available at the municipality’s existing public schools for several years under Spain’s system of optional religious instruction.

The decision was discussed by the Municipal School Board (Consejo Escolar Municipal) — a group that includes representatives from parents, teachers, the city council and the regional Ministry of Education.

Local officials from the ruling People’s Party (Partido Popular), led by Mayor María Gómez, said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the regional Ministry of Education, which has not yet issued a formal comment on the proposal. Parents, educators and community groups have raised concerns that excluding Islamic religious education could affect student enrollment patterns and the school’s cultural diversity.

Under Spanish law, public schools can offer optional religious instruction — including Islamic, Catholic, Evangelical and Jewish courses — when requested by families and supported by qualified instructors. This arrangement stems from cooperation agreements between the Spanish state and recognized religious communities, including the Comisión Islámica de España.

Representatives of local Muslim cultural organizations have asked for further clarification from the city council.