An asterisk used to promote safe interaction between “children/dogs and cats” has sparked a lively discussion in Naples.
The Novaro-Cavour Comprehensive Institute, which includes a nursery, primary, and lower secondary school in the Colli Aminei area, has informed parents of an activity related to the "Pet School - Discovering Dogs and Cats" project, aimed at young students.
The controversy was raised by lawyer Angelo Pisani, coordinator of the Committee on the Rights of Affects of the Naples Bar Association. Pisani, known for defending Diego Armando Maradona in a trial for alleged tax evasion, criticized the choice to replace the ending of "bambini" with an asterisk, calling it an expression of "gender obsession."
He stated: "These are unacceptable and illegitimate decisions made without consent. This type of behavior causes distress in children and horror in parents, especially those with psychological fragility."
In response, the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) intervened, reporting the findings of the Campania Regional School Office. The head teacher at Novaro-Cavour explained that it was a "mere clerical error" and has already sent families a new form with the correct wording.
Luca Trapanese, councilor for social policies for the Municipality of Naples, spoke out in defense of the institution and the use of the asterisk.
Trapanese, known for his experience as a gay, single, and adoptive parent of a child with Down syndrome who attends Novaro-Cavour, stated: "To those who are shocked by an asterisk, I say: the problem isn't grammar, but the fear of change." He emphasized that there wasn't a collective protest from the parents, but that "it was only one parent who raised the issue."
According to the councilor, "Italian is a discriminatory language: when we say 'bambini' we're using a masculine term that, grammatically, automatically includes girls. But why should the masculine be used for everyone? Why should girls be invisible in the language?"
He concluded by stating that "the asterisk doesn't create confusion, but rather makes everyone visible. And those who cry indoctrination today are simply trying to block progress."
In short
An asterisk used to promote safe "kids/cat-dog" interactions has sparked a lively discussion in Naples.
- The Novaro-Cavour Comprehensive Institute, which includes preschool, elementary school, and middle school in the Colli Aminei area, has announced…
- The controversy was raised by attorney Angelo Pisani, coordinator of the Committee on the Rights of Affects of the Council of the Bar Association of…
- Pisani, known for defending Diego Armando Maradona in a trial for alleged tax evasion, criticized the choice of…
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
An asterisk used to promote safe "kids/cat-dog" interactions has sparked a lively discussion in Naples.
Why is this news relevant?
The Novaro-Cavour Comprehensive Institute, which includes preschool, elementary school, and middle school in the Colli Aminei area, has announced…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
The controversy was raised by lawyer Angelo Pisani, coordinator of the Committee on the Rights of Affects of the Council of the Naples Bar Association.
The topic of the asterisk in the language is very complicated and raises different opinions. I think it is important to consider different perspectives and not to judge immediately. School should be a place of inclusion, but sometimes there are misunderstandings.