It was stated that the number of incidents such as giving the Hitler salute, drawing swastikas on books and racist threats reached 100 in schools in the state of Brandenburg alone in Germany. It was emphasized that 91 far-right events were recorded in Thuringia and 48 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
It was noted that last academic year, far-right incidents in schools were 60 in Brandenburg and 30 in Thuringia, while a very low figure was observed in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
It has been noted that some other states do not keep statistics on this issue, only based on police reports.
“Events in schools in Brandenburg state are an alarm bell”
Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger told the newspaper, “The events in schools in Brandenburg state are an alarm bell. Freedom, democracy, tolerance and pluralism are fundamental values of our society, including in schools. They must be defended everywhere. Everyone should contribute to this.” she used the phrase.
“Unfortunately, the word ‘You Jew’ is used as a common insult in schoolyards,” said Felix Klein, the German government’s anti-Semitism chief. spoke his words.
Controversy over far-right incidents in schools in Germany flared after Brandenburg teachers Laura Nickel and Max Teske reported in April that their school had swastika drawings and Hitler salutes.
Nickel and Teske had decided to drop out of their school due to ongoing threats.