Right-wing extremism - More right-wing scenarios in schools - Minister: Interfere
The number of right-wing extremist incidents at Brandenburg schools has significantly increased. The school authorities counted 203 such reports in the first school semester 2023/24, as reported by the Education Ministry to the German Press Agency. In addition, there were 60 xenophobic, 25 antisemitic, and 21 other extremist incidents, with possible duplicates. In the entire school year 2022/23, the school authorities reported 70 right-wing extremist statements or actions, as well as 21 racially motivated, 7 antisemitic, and 4 other extremist incidents.
Education Minister Steffen Freiberg (SPD) demands decisive action from schools and offers them support. "Schools must intervene," said Freiberg. "There is no neutrality before the values of the Constitution such as equality, freedom of opinion, and religious freedom." He also refers to already initiated measures. "That's not something that can be debated," said the Minister. "We have a climate in society that is very introspective, and that affects the schools. It's not something that resolves itself." He also sees greater sensitivity as the reason for the increase in cases: "One must assume that things are being looked at much more closely," said Freiberg. "Every incident – regardless of the motivation - must be followed up, and consistent action must be taken. We are trying to provide schools with support and consultation."
Schools in Brandenburg must react faster to right-wing extremism since a law change by the state parliament in January. Reports of glorification of National Socialism, as well as antisemitic or racist reports, must be reported to the school administration - this was not mandatory before.
A teacher and a teacher from Burg im Spreewald described in an anonymous open letter last year that they were confronted daily with right-wing extremism, sexism, and homophobia. They left the school after harassment from the far-right scene. The problems exist elsewhere: The school authorities in Brandenburg reported more such cases since the letter.
One of the first reactions to the situation in Burg was, according to the Minister's statements, the continuation of the "Strong Teachers – Strong Students" project. In this project, teachers are trained in dealing with right-wing extremist, antisemitic, and racist convictions. "We have also been able to increase the funding for the support of projects in schools," said Freiberg. "We will not slacken in strengthening and developing schools as democratic places or protecting them from attacks from outside."
Warning against the Neo-Nazi Party
The Ministry warned in May that the constitutionally protected extremist party "The Third Way" intends to distribute publications at schools. In an internal letter to school principals and principals, the Ministry wrote that this party wants to attract voters in the school environment. They referred to information from the Constitutional Protection Agency. In case of threats, immediate action should be taken and the police should be informed. The confrontation with Neo-Nazism and the extreme right should also be addressed in education.
- The German Press Agency reported that according to the Education Ministry, there was a significant increase in right-wing extremist incidents at Brandenburg schools during the first semester of 2023/24.
- Education Minister Steffen Freiberg, representing the SDP, called for decisive action against right-wing extremism in schools, stating that there should be no neutrality before the values of the Constitution.
- Following a law change in January, schools in Brandenburg are now required to report incidents of glorification of National Socialism, as well as antisemitic or racist reports, to the school administration.
- A teacher from Burg im Spreewald and another teacher described in an anonymous open letter last year that they faced daily right-wing extremism, sexism, and homophobia, leading to their eventual departure from the school due to harassment from the far-right scene.
- In response to the situation in Burg, the Ministry continued the "Strong Teachers – Strong Students" project, training teachers to deal with right-wing extremist, antisemitic, and racist convictions, and increasing funding for projects in schools.
- In a warning to school principals in May, the Ministry advised against the Neo-Nazi Party "The Third Way," who aimed to distribute publications at schools and attract voters, potentially threatening school environments.
