School management in Parede, in the municipality of Cascais, has opened disciplinary proceedings against a geography teacher at Fernando Lopes Graça school. Parents accuse her of making racist and anti-immigrant remarks in class.
Five parents told Público about the alleged incidents anonymously because they fear repercussions for their children. According to the parents, the teacher told the class that immigrants “should go back to their own countries”. She emphasised that she was “Portuguese by origin” and claimed that immigrants “are ruining Portugal and taking advantage of our resources”. Parents also reported anti-Islam remarks and said the teacher had called some students liars.
The disciplinary proceedings follow an internal inquiry launched in early June by Rita Zuzarte, head of the school group. According to Público, concerns about the teacher’s conduct had been raised as early as 2025. At the end of the previous school year, some parents considered boycotting her classes. The school initially proposed that she teach alongside another teacher. Parents rejected the proposal, and she was temporarily removed from teaching duties while the inquiry was underway.
According to school management, the teacher is not currently teaching. The school has declined to disclose the reason, describing it as a private and professional matter. The Inspectorate-General of Education and Science (IGEC) is overseeing the proceedings and providing legal assistance to the school. The proceedings could be dismissed or result in disciplinary action, ranging from a reprimand to dismissal. The final decision on dismissal rests with the Ministry of Education.
