- The Lambda collective, with the support of FELGTBI+, thanks the pressure from the AFA of the Mantellate school (Marxalenes, València) that has led to Federico M. V. being removed from the center.
- The teacher had already been removed two years ago from the Madre Josefa Campos de Alaquàs school for conducting conversion therapies on underage students, practices that the UN considers psychological torture.
- Lambda demands that the Department of Education and the Ministry of Education investigate the facts and hold accountable both the teacher and the managing company of both schools.
The Lambda collective, LGTBIAQ+ collective of the País Valencià, has thanked the swift pressure action of the Association of Families (AFA) of the Mantellate school, in the Marxalenes neighborhood (València), which has resulted in Federico M. V. being removed from this educational center. Lambda has the support of the State LGTBI+ Federation (FELGTBI+) in this statement.
What has happened with the teacher from the Mantellate school?
The Mantellate school has removed teacher Federico M. V. after pressure from the Association of Families of the center, after it became known that he had openly acknowledged his participation in conversion therapies. According to Lambda, this teacher had already been removed two years ago from the Madre Josefa Campos de Alaquàs school for conducting these practices on underage students.
Who is Federico M. V. and why was he removed before?
Federico M. V. was removed from the Madre Josefa Campos de Alaquàs school two years ago for conducting conversion therapies on minors. The so-called conversion therapies are considered by the UN as a form of psychological torture, in addition to constituting child abuse and LGTBIfobic violence. They are, Lambda reminds, contrary to the law and seriously threaten the mental health, integrity, and fundamental rights of minors.
For Lambda, it is “unacceptable” that the company Gestión de Centros Católicos de Enseñanza SL considered incorporating into the staff of an educational center —responsible for the education and care of adolescents and minors— a person who has openly acknowledged his participation in these practices.
Lambda’s reaction: “classrooms must be safe spaces”
Lambda emphasizes that “it is particularly serious that these discourses that pathologize sexual, gender, and family diversity find resonance in institutions that must be governed by human rights and the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination”. “Classrooms must be safe spaces, free from violence and hatred. All of them, but especially those funded with public money”, the collective states.
The statement reiterates Lambda’s commitment “to an education free of prejudices and a firm defense of the dignity of all people”, and states that “we will not tolerate putting the emotional health and lives of our children under the protection of educational institutions that violate the laws”.
What do they demand now: investigation and accountability
Lambda expects that both the teacher —who “has maintained his salary all this time”— and the managing company of both schools assume their responsibility for allowing these practices. The collective believes that this teacher “should be disqualified”.
In addition, Lambda again demands that the Department of Education and the Ministry of Education, as well as other competent authorities, investigate the facts reported by the students of the Madre Josefa Campos de Alaquàs school, and that they apply “with firmness” both the state LGTBI law and the regional law, as both explicitly prohibit conversion therapies.
The legal framework and Lambda’s position towards the Catholic Church
Lambda reminds that the País Valencià “has been a reference in policies of equality and LGTBIAQ+ rights”, and demands, after this investigation, “an accountability”, because “we cannot allow setbacks or legitimize approaches that generate suffering, stigma, and exclusion”.
The collective also points out that “neither do the principles of Catholic theology support these abusive behaviors”, which go against “freedom of conscience, the scientific community, and all dimensions of the law”, since “the Catholic Church itself considers all people as equals and children of God, created in its image and likeness”.
Frequently asked questions about the Mantellate school case
What has Lambda requested after the teacher’s removal? Lambda asks that the teacher and the managing company of the schools assume responsibilities, that the teacher be disqualified, and that the Department and the Ministry of Education investigate the reported facts.
Why was Federico M. V. removed before? He was removed two years ago from the Madre Josefa Campos de Alaquàs school for conducting conversion therapies on underage students, practices prohibited by law.
What are conversion therapies according to the UN? The UN considers them a form of psychological torture, in addition to child abuse and LGTBIfobic violence, and they are contrary to Spanish and Valencian law.
What company manages the implicated school? Gestión de Centros Católicos de Enseñanza SL, according to Lambda’s statement.
What organizations sign this statement? Lambda, LGTBIAQ+ collective of the País Valencià, with the support of the State LGTBI+ Federation (FELGTBI+).
