A secondary school in Andratx, IES Baltasar Porcel, is at the centre of investigations by the Guardia Civil and the Balearic education ministry following what teachers at the school have described as a "clearly homophobic" incident.
The teachers released a statement on Monday saying: "We are tired of receiving insults, threats and displays of contempt which, far from being exceptional, have become all too common. This normalisation of disrespect is deeply worrying and completely unacceptable."
What is said not to be an isolated case involves a teacher at the school who has been subject to homophobic attacks. It is understood that the teacher has explained to the Guardia Civil that, among other things, there have been sexually explicit photoshopped images featuring his face and insults related to his sexual orientation on a well-known educational platform. At least two different profiles behind these attacks have been identified.
The Guardia referred the case to the Prosecutor's Office for Minors at the end of last week. Several students from the school have been summoned, accompanied by their parents, to give statements.
Unions have said teachers cannot carry out their work in environments where these types of attacks occur and have called for a clear institutional response to protect teachers. Parents associations have emphasised the need to strengthen the values of respect, equality, and tolerance.
On Monday, an education ministry inspector went to the school to investigate the incident. The minister, Antoni Vera, has announced the implementation of a teacher well-being plan and has acknowledged that there is still work to be done with students in order to eradicate this type of behaviour.