During the 2020-2021 academic year, a controversy emerged at a Burgundy school in Barcelona involving an ESO technology teacher identified by initials XM. Following a student’s complaint alleging discomfort during contact, school authorities activated the existing protocols. The administration prohibited XM from any interaction with current students, and the measures were communicated to both faculty and families as the new school year began in 2022-23. It was later announced that the teacher in question was no longer affiliated with the institution, which is a religiously affiliated center.
The school’s management explained in a statement that the truth had come to light over the summer. The former student had left the center at the end of the 2020-21 school year after alleged harassment. She later recounts the events during psychological treatment in the previous year, by which time she was already enrolled in another school. The report prompted a notification to the Department of Education, which activated the child protection protocol and sent an inspector to Claret. After the official was notified, the administration chose to dismiss the person involved and to report the facts to the public prosecutor’s office.
“Observed and Examined”
Former students from Claret who had XM as their technology teacher in the first and second years of the ESO program described feeling observed and scrutinized by the teacher. One student recounted that XM often directed attention to their chest while they were in suspension or wearing certain attire. The experience was described as uncomfortable and became a topic of later conversations among peers.
As they progressed to high school, senior students warned them about the teacher, saying to be cautious because of inappropriate behavior. The students say they were told in advance to watch for certain cues and actions that they found troubling.
A second former student confirmed similar concerns, noting that XM would frequently comment on the subjects of clothing or appearance and would focus on upper body areas rather than the face during conversations. The account emphasized a pattern of behavior that felt inappropriate and invasive to those speaking out.
Another former student recalled a strained relationship with XM after choosing to oppose his advances. She described unwarranted remarks and macho comments that ridiculed the girls’ outfits or demeanor. She stated that she confronted him, which apparently affected her standing within the school environment.
Following the news of XM’s removal, several former students reported not being surprised by the development or feeling that the moment was imminent in hindsight.
There Were “Complaints”
The families were assured in the statement that the presumption of innocence would be respected while the school remained committed to clarifying what happened. The administration conveyed a willingness to cooperate and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. The school also noted its readiness to communicate through a designated channel if needed.
Back in 2019, three personnel connected to Claret, including a priest, were named in proceedings by former students. A lay teacher from another Claret school in Sallent, which had ties to Claret in Barcelona, was also mentioned in the broader context. The school acknowledged that XM had already received warnings from management about attitudes inconsistent with the school’s values, but there were no prior complaints indicating criminal activity related to XM.