Organic Law 3/2020, of December 29, clearly establishes that centers supported by public funds cannot separate students by sex. Otherwise, they must become entirely private centers. This principle is also included in the autonomous decree regulating the renewal of educational agreements. However, the Popular Party of the Valencian Community has chosen to renew the agreements of seven centers that continue this practice.
Among the affected centers, in the province of Castellón are Miralvent (for boys) and Torrenova (exclusively for girls in Primary and Secondary), both in Betxí. In the province of Valencia, Guadalaviar and Vilavella (for girls) in the city of Valencia, and El Vedat (for boys) in Torrent. Finally, in the province of Alicante, Altozano (for girls from second grade Primary to Bachillerato) in the city of Alicante, and Aitana (for girls from third grade Primary to Bachillerato) in Torrellano (Elx).
The renewal of these agreements raises questions, especially when segregation persists in stages such as ESO or Bachillerato. The PP's decision seems to point to a regression towards educational models that were considered outdated, recalling past eras where sex separation was the norm. Furthermore, six of the seven mentioned centers are linked to Opus Dei, which suggests a persistence of an educational model that responds to a specific ideological and social conception.
“"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."
This policy not only contradicts current legislation but also implies explicit public funding support for institutions that promote an educational model based on sex separation. The renewal of these agreements is part of a broader political line that promotes an ultraconservative vision in the educational system, marginalizing transversal education in equality and diversity and increasing the presence of religious education.
What is at stake is not only compliance with a law but also the type of society we want to build. Allowing public funds to finance segregated educational models legitimizes a conception of society based on difference rather than equality, with direct consequences for the education of our children. Education must be a space for coexistence and respect, not an instrument to reproduce past schemes.
