Ministry bans school visits by outsiders

Visits to high schools by members of the Church and other organizations during classes were forbidden Tuesday by the Education Ministry.

Sources said the move did not target the Church in particular, despite a recent row between the government and bishops over their visits to schools. The circular issued by the ministry makes it clear that no visits of any kind will be allowed during school hours. They will only be allowed after classes have finished and pupils can only attend if they have their parents’ permission.

The measure applies for the remainder of the academic year but is likely to be made permanent. The ministry also banned schools from making trips to the European Parliament or other European institutions if they are funded by political parties.

The decision comes after a school trip for a group of high school pupils to Brussels was canceled when it emerged that it had been funded by a Golden Dawn MEP.