Italy’s education minister has launched an investigation after a “rape list” appeared in a Rome high school, triggering national outrage and reviving debate over femicide and sex education.
The rape list, written on the walls of the boys’ bathroom at the Giulio Cesare school, listed the full names of nine female students. It emerged two days after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A student collective, Zero_alibi, first shared the case online and urged people to report it.
The group said the list reflected “a patriarchal society that harms and silences women”, adding that violence used as a threat or joke fuels the wider culture of gender-based abuse.
The school’s principal, Paola Senesi, condemned the act and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to tackling discrimination. She said the incident showed how much work remained to achieve real equality in education.
Education minister Giuseppe Valditara ordered a formal probe and said he would check whether the school was applying new mandatory classes on respect and relationships. He called for harsh sanctions, backed by premier Giorgia Meloni and family minister Eugenia Roccella.
One of the girls named in the rape list said she felt “humiliated and exposed”, but later realised that shame lay with the perpetrators.
Debate over consent law stalls
The case comes as Italy’s parliament delays a landmark law that would define sex without consent as rape. The bill, supported by both Meloni and centre-left leader Elly Schlein, passed in the lower house last week.
Its progress stalled after coalition partner the League raised objections. Party leader Matteo Salvini argued that the measure could “clog up the courts” and be used for revenge. He said he supported the principle but warned that the wording was too vague and risked creating conflict.
The proposal sets a prison sentence of six to 12 years for sexual acts without explicit consent. Supporters say it would make it easier for victims to report abuse.
Renewed focus on sex education
The Rome case has intensified scrutiny of Italy’s limited sex-education provision. Zero_alibi said the country needed structured emotional and sexual education programmes.
Italy remains one of the few EU states without compulsory sex education. A recent committee vote backed an amendment to Valditara’s “informed consent” bill, extending restrictions on sex-education projects to middle schools. Lessons would only be allowed in high school with parental approval.
The government argues that sex education can promote “gender propaganda” and undermine traditional family values. Opposition politicians have criticised the move as harmful and outdated. They say consent and relationship education are key to reducing gender-based violence.
The informed-consent bill returns to parliament next week, with centre-left MPs calling for compulsory programmes across all school levels.
Echoes of the Circeo murders
Graffiti appeared outside the Giulio Cesare school after the list emerged. Messages included “Machismo out of schools” and “The friend of the sexist is complicit”.
One message read: “This is how the monsters of Circeo are born”, referring to the 1975 Circeo murders. The crime involved the abduction, torture and rape of two young women by three men, including Andrea Ghira, a former Giulio Cesare student. One victim was murdered, while the other survived after being found in the boot of a car near the school.
The historic link has added to public anger, prompting renewed calls for stronger education and prevention measures.
