He glanced around in disbelief. His anguished gaze sought out the other Jewish students, though he had to pause before he remembered who was Jewish and who wasn’t. It had simply never mattered to him or anyone else at school. He had no idea why it mattered now. He spotted Giulia and Carlotta, whom he knew from synagogue, and tears stained their cheeks as they read the sheet of paper.
He returned his attention to the sheet, trying to collect his thoughts. Ezio and Carlo fell silent, and Sandro read Article 3, which said that Jewish teachers were suspended, and then Article 4, which stated:
ARTICLE 4.
Those members of scientific, literary, and artistic academies, institutes, and associations who are of the Jewish race will cease to be part of said institutions beginning on October 16, 1938, XVI.
Sandro’s mind reeled. Professor Levi-Civita was Jewish, and if Jewish professors could no longer teach, that meant that the professor was suspended, too. It was unthinkable. It was insane. Sandro was supposed to go to La Sapienza after school today. He didn’t know if Professor Levi-Civita or if any of the other Jewish professors would be there, or the Jewish students.
Suddenly the students erupted in chatter, turning to face the entrance to the school, and Preside Livorno appeared, with the faculty grouped behind him. His bright white hair blew in the breeze, and his gaze was solemn behind his glasses. He was stooped in his three-piece suit. All of the teachers were distraught, clinging to each other, and many had puffy eyes as if they had been weeping.
“Students!” Preside Livorno motioned. “Please, I need your attention!”
Sandro felt someone touching his arm. He looked over to see Elisabetta. Without a word, she took his hand, looking heartbroken for him.
Preside Livorno gave the Fascist salute, which everyone returned, then he began to speak. “Students, you have already received a copy of this new law, Regio Decreto Number 1390. It is a royal decree. I am very sorry to say that according to this law, Jewish students are no longer permitted to attend school here. In addition, Jewish teachers are no longer permitted to teach here.”
“Preside Livorno, this is wrong!” Sandro called out, angering. “This law is wrong! You can’t do this!”
Other students shouted, “This is unfair!” “Yes, this is wrong!” “Can they do that?” “Why are they doing this?” “This is my school!” “You should refuse to do it, Preside Livorno!”
“Please, settle down.” Preside Livorno motioned for silence again. “We were instructed to give no opinion regarding this law, so we will not. We were instructed to see to its enforcement, so we must. We have been informed that Jewish students will be permitted to form their own schools, which they may attend with other Jewish students.”
Sandro called out again, “You mean, make our own schools? How do we do that, Preside Livorno? This is unjust!”
Preside Livorno’s lined face fell. “Sandro, we were told there may be funding to the Jewish community, in that regard. Again, we are very sorry.”
“But how do I graduate?” Sandro shot back.
Other students chimed in to echo Sandro’s concern.
Preside Livorno’s eyes filmed behind his glasses. “My deepest apologies. I’m afraid I can say no more. I have no choice in this matter, under this law.”
The bell sounded, signaling that classes were to begin, but no one moved. Sandro froze, unsure whether to stay or go. It was his school, and he had been so excited about the school year. His final one before graduation. His time with Elisabetta.
Preside Livorno called out, “Students, come in, the school day must commence. To all of our Jewish students, we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Everyone else, please enter the building with dispatch.”
Sandro glanced over as Carlo, Ezio, Vittorio, and his other classmates headed into the building.
Elisabetta embraced him. “Sandro, I’m so sorry.”
“They can’t do this, can they?”
“I . . . don’t know.”
Sandro released her. “Go,” he said softly. “You have to go inside.”
“No, I want to stay with you.”
“Please, go.”
“I’m staying with you.” Elisabetta took his hand, but Sandro touched her shoulder, easing her off.
“Listen, I’ll see you later.”
The final bell rang, and Preside Livorno turned to the students. “For those permitted, please come in. We were instructed to keep classes on schedule. We mustn’t start later than necessary.”