Son Pisà families abandon strike against Miquel Roldán: "In no case does it mean the end of our fight"

PalmThe families of CEIP Son Pisà have announced the lifting of the strike they have maintained for seven days, which consisted of not taking their children to school to denounce the presence at the center of Miquel Roldán, a teacher convicted of harassment. Nevertheless, they explain, the decision does not imply the end of the conflict or their demands. In the statement, the families explain that “much to our regret and despite having achieved 30% participation today, we announce for tomorrow, the 6th, the lifting of the general strike we have maintained for seven days”.

Among the main reasons for the decision is the emotional impact on children. “We have listened to our sons and daughters and, despite the fear they have, there is a feeling that is more powerful: the longing for school life and their routine”. They add that ‘they miss school, teachers and friends and want to reclaim their rightful place in classrooms’, while acknowledging that ‘this does not mean they are not going with fear and that we are calm’, a situation they admit will be difficult to manage.

Frozen curriculum

Another factor is the academic impact. According to the text, during the strike days, despite partial student attendance, "no progress has been made on the syllabus". This, they warn, "especially in higher grades, puts our sons and daughters at a disadvantage compared to students from the rest of our autonomous community". In this regard, they recall that sixth-graders "will move on to high school in September and need to be on equal footing with their future classmates".

Families also point to the difficulty of sustaining the situation in the family and work-life balance sphere. They state that "we cannot continue to prolong a stressful family situation where parents work and girls and boys do not go to school". They also assure that "there are many families who can no longer balance" and describe as a "mission impossible" to relocate about 500 students "to an alternative space", especially in the face of what they consider institutional abandonment.

Despite the general call-off, there is an exception: fourth grade. In this course, families explain that it is where "the teacher convicted of harassment of a minor holds a position as an interim substitute" and that "the majority of families at this level are not willing for this teacher to have contact with their children." Therefore, in this specific case, alternatives are being studied to relocate the children of families who cannot manage childcare.

By other paths

The statement says that the decision does not mean the end of the movement. “This announcement only affects the strike and in no case means the end of our struggle”, they emphasize. Furthermore, they warn that, despite the return to activity, “there will be many families who can reconcile and will continue not to take their children to school because they do not feel safe”.

The families announce that they will continue with peaceful mobilizations and actions, such as a nationwide petition and demonstrations. “We will continue trying to reverse the situation with peaceful actions, a national petition, and demonstrations”, they state. The objective, they underline, goes beyond the school: “it is not just about solving the problem affecting our school, but about achieving a real change in the law that does not allow teaching minors to all those convicted of harassment of them or any related crime”, and they demand that the legislative changes be “retroactive”. The statement concludes with a thank you: “once again, thank you”.