In Lithuania, representatives from the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance (LLRA-KŠS) are pushing for a legislative change aimed at safeguarding Polish schools in regions predominantly inhabited by Polish-speaking minorities. The proposed amendments would mandate municipalities to provide secondary education in the native language of ethnic minorities in at least one school or class. This move is seen as an effort to address the perceived discrimination against ethnic minorities in the current educational framework, which is said to favor the state language.

Jaroslavas Narkevičius, a member of the Seimas and one of the authors of the amendments, argues that it is essential for students in areas where ethnic minorities comprise a majority to have the right to receive education in their mother tongue. Currently, the law requires that regions with significant ethnic minority populations maintain a school or at least one class where education is provided in the state language from the 11th grade onwards, even if the school does not meet certain established criteria. However, Narkevičius points out that there is no equivalent requirement for schools that provide education in minority languages, which he believes creates an imbalance.

The implications of these proposed changes could be significant for the educational landscape in Lithuania. If passed, the legislation would not only formalize the rights of ethnic minorities to receive education in their language but might also prompt broader discussions on the integration and support of such communities in Lithuanian society. Furthermore, the push for these changes illustrates ongoing challenges surrounding minority rights and the need for equitable educational opportunities across different linguistic and cultural groups in the country.