The escalating presence of extremist ideologies within German schools is prompting urgent calls for increased support for educators facing an increasingly hostile environment. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has issued a stark warning, emphasizing the necessity of bolstering teachers who encounter racist and antisemitic expressions from students, a situation he acknowledges goes beyond the usual constraints of political neutrality expected of public officials.
Steinmeier’s intervention follows a concerning rise in reported far-right incidents within schools, leaving many teachers feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to effectively respond. The Education and Science Union (GEW) reports that educators, operating under the framework of public service, are grappling with questions about their permissible actions and responses to extremist viewpoints expressed by students.
The President stressed the crucial role of democracy education and active participation within the school environment, highlighting that safeguarding minority rights is paramount, a principle that transcends any single subject. He cautioned against the societal fatigue and reticence that has followed years of crisis, arguing that students need to be prepared for a changing social climate and the importance of defending democratic values.
Adding another layer of complexity, Maike Finnern, chairwoman of the GEW, voiced serious concerns about the increasing influence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) within the education system. She noted a marked intensification of the party’s focus on schools, evidenced by a surge in parliamentary inquiries and a history of controversial reporting portals targeting teachers perceived to have made politically charged statements. Finnern argued that the AfD’s deliberate manipulation of the debate surrounding political neutrality is creating an environment of self-censorship and anxiety among educators, leading them to question the boundaries of acceptable discourse.
Federal Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has echoed the need for consistent action, advocating for the establishment of nationwide, standardized data collection on extremist incidents. She criticized the current fragmented approach, where some states diligently record such occurrences while others do not, hindering a clear understanding of the problem’s scope. Prien expressed deep concern regarding the normalization of right-wing extremism, right-wing populism, authoritarian approaches and antisemitism – originating not only from the right but also from left-wing and migrant communities – within German society, particularly highlighting the escalating number of far-right incidents in schools. The situation demands swift and decisive action to protect the integrity of the education system and the wellbeing of its educators.