The University for Foreigners of Siena cancels internships with the Navy: a missed opportunity in the name of prejudice
The recent decision of theUniversity for Foreigners of Siena to annul traineeships with the Italian Navy raised a heated debate in the political and academic world. The Academic Senate, led by the Rector Tomaso Montanarialready known for the foibe case, justified the choice by the changed political context and an alleged 'militarist rhetoric' growing in the country. However, this decision appears to be a serious mistake that deprives young people of an important educational opportunity and penalises one of Italy's most internationally recognised excellences.
The Rector Tomaso Montanari justified the decision as an act of responsibility in the international context, denouncing theGrowing influence of the military in universities. He highlighted the paradox of an Italy that reduces funds for education of more than half a billion, while military spending increases of three billion, reaching 35 billion. According to Montanari, ten billion would be allocated to 'war education' programmes, reinforcing its opposition to academic collaboration with the Armed Forces.
The precedent: when Montanari attacked the Day of Remembrance
The Rector Tomaso Montanari is no stranger to criticism and challenge. On the eve of Remembrance Daydedicated to the memory of the victims of the foibe and theJulian-Dalmatian exodusthe rector had organised a conference entitled: "Political use of memory and fascist revanchism: the genesis of the Day of Remembrance".. A choice that has reignited controversy over his role and his vision of the Italian history.
In his speech, Montanari defined the Day of Remembrance "a historical falsification desired by the Right", claiming that the celebration has become an instrument of 'fascist revanchism'. According to the Rector, it is not a question of denying the tragedies of the foibebut to denounce thepolitical and instrumental use of historical memory.
His statements provoked a reaction from associations such as theNational Association of Venezia Giulia and Dalmatiaremember how the drama of the 350,000 people forced to exodus has long been ignored by the Italian national consciousness.
The University and the Military: an Opportunity, not a Danger
La Italian Navy is an institution of primary importance for national defence and international security. In addition to its operational missions, it plays a key role in training, research and international cooperation. The Open Seain which students from the University for Foreigners of Siena participated, was a unique experience to learn on the ground values such as discipline, teamwork, leadership and responsibility.
Cancelling this collaboration means not only interrupting a channel of growth for young people, but also depriving them of a concrete prospect of entering a highly qualified professional world.
The idea that the military is an invasive or dangerous entity for academia is an ideological and anachronistic view. In many nations, the Armed Forces collaborate closely with universities to foster technological innovation, advanced training and the honing of professional skills. The students involved in the Mare Aperto project would have had the opportunity to have an educational experience in a high-level context, acquiring practical and theoretical skills useful for their future.
An ideological choice that penalises the future
Depriving students of this opportunity sends a negative message: it feeds the idea that the military world is incompatible with academic culture and training. In reality, the Armed Forces are often a place of growth for young people, offering discipline, culture and skills that can be applied in different professional fields. Moreover, the Navy is not only synonymous with defence, but also with humanitarian operations, sea rescue and environmental protection, all activities of high ethical and social value.
The University for Foreigners of Siena preferred to focus on collaborations with organisations such as Emergency and Doctors Without Bordersexcluding any relationship with the military. Although humanitarian volunteering is undoubtedly a meritorious choice, it does not conflict with the training opportunity offered by the Navy.
The two realities can coexist, enriching the educational offer and giving young people the opportunity to freely choose the path that best suits their aspirations.
Conclusion
The decision by the University for Foreigners of Siena to discontinue internships with the Navy appears to be a mistake that deprives students of an important growth experience. Le Italian Armed Forces represent internationally recognised excellence and a high-level educational opportunity. Instead of closing the doors to these collaborations, universities should foster dialogue and cooperation, offering young people a wider range of choices for their future.
Education should not be bent to ideological prejudices, but open to all realities that can enrich the cultural and professional background of Italian students.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
