"Indoctrination": AfD wants to overturn ban on Nazi propaganda in schools (but fails)

Following reports of right-wing extremism in schools in Brandenburg, Germany, the state parliament banned unconstitutional acts in schools. The AfD (Alternative for Germany) party tried to overturn this ban, arguing it restricted free speech and constituted "indoctrination." However, the parliament, with support from SPD, BSW, and CDU, rejected the AfD's proposal. The government and other parties emphasized that Nazi propaganda and hate speech are not opinions but criminal offenses and that schools should uphold democratic principles, pointing to numerous documented extremist incidents in schools. This action was partly a response to an open letter from teachers detailing their experiences with right-wing extremism, sexism, and homophobia at a school in Burg.

March 28, 2025

Topical IssuesAlternative for Germany (AfD)Basic LawRight-wing extremism

Source: News4Teacher

Article Content

"Indoctrination": AfD's Attempt to Overturn Ban on Nazi Propaganda in Schools Fails

March 26, 2025

The Brandenburg state parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to banning extremist acts in schools. "Extremism, racism, antisemitism, sexism, homophobia, and Islamophobia have no place in schools," stated Education State Secretary Hendrik Fischer in parliament. Pupils should be educated in accordance with democratic principles.

The Landtag rejected a bill by the AfD parliamentary group that aimed to replace a paragraph in the School Act banning anti-constitutional acts. The AfD sees the commitment to the Basic Law as a one-sided political influence on pupils and wants to enforce a ban on such "indoctrination." The coalition factions of SPD and BSW, as well as the opposition CDU faction, voted against it.

AfD Advocates for Freedom of Expression in Schools

Dennis Hohloch, Parliamentary Director of the AfD parliamentary group, stated that schools should be places of free expression. The existing paragraph in the School Act serves less to protect against extremists than to combat the opposition - specifically the AfD, Hohloch argued. "There is also no widespread extremism problem in our Brandenburg schools." Hohloch himself is classified as "verified right-wing extremist" by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The AfD also interprets freedom of expression in its own way: In 2018, the parliamentary group installed a "reporting portal" through which parents and pupils could anonymously report teachers critical of the party. This and other AfD portals of this type were only shut down after a ruling by the Schwerin Administrative Court, which saw a massive data protection violation in them.

SPD education politician Katja Poschmann said: "The glorification of the Nazi dictatorship, the relativization of its crimes by wearing its symbols or repeating its slogans are not opinions, but tangible crimes." In the first school half-year 2023/2024, according to the Ministry of Education, 203 right-wing extremist incidents, 60 xenophobic incidents and 25 antisemitic incidents were counted at Brandenburg schools.

Reaction to Right-Wing Extremist Incidents

In 2023, a teacher couple from a school in Burg in the Spreewald described in an anonymous open letter that they were confronted daily with right-wing extremism, sexism and homophobia. After hostility from the right-wing scene, they left the school (News4teachers reported). Other schools also reported similar incidents.

As a result, the ban on anti-constitutional acts was introduced into the School Act last year. Schools must also immediately report incidents glorifying National Socialism and antisemitic or racist incidents to the school board. News4teachers / with material from dpa

Hitler salutes, insults, teachers called "Polish sluts" - when right-wing extremism shapes a school

The rise of extremism and intolerance in schools is a serious concern for parents and educators alike. Ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment is paramount, but the challenges are undeniable. Traditional school systems, while aiming to provide a comprehensive education, often struggle to address these evolving societal issues effectively. This is where innovative educational models become crucial.

A New Approach to Education: Introducing BlitzFast

At BlitzFast, we believe in creating a learning environment that not only shields children from negativity but also empowers them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Founded by Engin, a father of four who experienced firsthand the limitations of traditional schooling, BlitzFast is a revolutionary online school designed to provide a flexible, secure, and future-focused education.

Safety First: We understand the importance of a protected learning environment. Our platform prioritizes safety and well-being, offering a refuge from bullying and negative influences often found in traditional schools.
Beyond the Curriculum: While fully covering the German curriculum, BlitzFast goes beyond traditional subjects. We equip children with practical skills in areas like entrepreneurship, AI, digital literacy, critical thinking, and sustainability.
Personalized Learning: Our AI-powered platform adapts to each child's individual learning pace, ensuring they grasp concepts fully and confidently. Learning is made stress-free and engaging, tailored to their unique needs.
Freedom and Flexibility: Whether you're an expat, a digital nomad, or simply seeking a more flexible education for your child, BlitzFast offers the freedom to learn from anywhere in the world.

BlitzFast is more than just a school; it's a platform that cultivates creativity, independence, and the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We're not just preparing students for exams; we're preparing them to be innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.

Be Part of the Future of Education

BlitzFast is currently in development, and we are seeking a select group of parents to join our exclusive test group. Your feedback will be instrumental in shaping the future of our platform, from AI-powered core subject learning to hands-on projects and creative electives.

This is your chance to actively participate in an educational revolution that prioritizes safety, flexibility, and comprehensive future-readiness.

Ready to give your child the educational edge they deserve?

Sign up for our newsletter and become a part of our test group today! https://blitzfa.st

Key Takeaways:

Extremism in schools is a growing concern, highlighting the need for safe and inclusive educational environments.
Traditional schools may struggle to address these issues effectively.
BlitzFast offers a flexible, secure, and future-focused online education that goes beyond the traditional curriculum.
Parents can actively shape the future of education by joining the BlitzFast test group.
Sign up for the newsletter at https://blitzfa.st to learn more and get involved!

This article is based on content from News4Teacher. Visit the original source for more information.

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