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northFollowing the beheading of a teacher near Paris by an Islamist, the Association of German Teachers warns of a “climate of intimidation” also in schools in the Federal Republic. “We are deeply concerned that a climate of intimidation is developing in Germany as well,” said association head Heinz-Peter Meidinger of the “Passauer Neue Presse” (Tuesday).
“The pressure is particularly high on schools in hot spots with a high proportion of students from an immigrant background,” he added. For example, teachers will be asked not to address issues such as the Middle East conflict or Israel in the classroom.
“In some schools, teachers no longer dare to show a movie like ‘Schindler’s List.’ You get pressure from parents, but also from students. Some people have scissors on their heads ”, said the head of the association.
Many colleagues in Germany would be afraid, for example, to refer to the Muhammad cartoons in a class on freedom of expression and artistic freedom. “They prefer not to touch that,” Meidinger says. If teachers take a position on politically and historically sensitive issues, they should expect pressure.
“There are more and more attempts to influence and hinder teachers in their task of transmitting values and democracy.” AFD’s reporting portals are also an attempt to intimidate teachers and pillory them. “Education in values and democracy classes should not become a test of courage for teachers,” demanded Meidinger.
