The Iqbal Masih comprehensive school in Pioltello is closing its doors for Ramadan for the third consecutive year, invoking its autonomy to manage school closure days as allowed by educational regulations. The school's decision is framed as an act of inclusion, reflecting the demographics of its student body, which has a significant portion of Muslim students. However, this choice has stirred controversy and may be interpreted as a political statement by some observers, particularly given the broader social dynamics in Italy regarding multiculturalism and religious practices.

A recent survey reported by Libero indicates that the choice to prioritize Ramadan may not align with the preferences of the students themselves. Interestingly, the school newspaper's first issue revealed that a substantial 45.7% of middle school students favored Christmas as their preferred holiday, while only 34.3% selected Ramadan. This disparity raises questions about the school's decision-making process and the representation of student voices in matters regarding holiday observances.

Given that 55% of the student population is foreign, with a significant number of Egyptian students, the implications of these findings suggest an ongoing debate within the community about identity, inclusion, and the balancing act between respecting cultural traditions and catering to a diverse student body. The situation in Pioltello reflects larger trends in Italy concerning education and multiculturalism, as local institutions navigate the complexities of diverse religious practices in the school environment.