Italy's Kindergarten Uniform Dispute Ignites Culture Wars

A kindergarten in Salice Salentino, Italy, introduced unisex green aprons to promote inclusivity, sparking anger from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's hard-right party. Critics argue it encroaches on school autonomy, while defenders say it's a progressive step. The issue highlights broader cultural tensions around gender and inclusivity in Italy.

A kindergarten in Salice Salentino, Italy, has become the epicenter of the latest cultural dispute by introducing unisex green aprons for first-year pupils, aiming to promote inclusivity and gender equality.

This policy, decided in July, has ignited backlash from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. Deputy Transport Minister Galeazzo Bignami called it an encroachment of 'gender theory' into schools, a move he fiercely opposes.

Conversely, the opposition Democratic Party argues the measure is in line with educational freedom and criticizes the government's 'pointless crusades.' School principal Michele Serra considers the debate a healthy discussion on inclusivity, despite the uproar.

(With inputs from agencies.)