Mar 18 • 07:12 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Right Turn in the Classroom: When Young People Yell 'Heil Hitler' on the Sports Field

Teachers in Germany discuss the alarming rise of right-wing extremism in schools based on their experiences.

The article discusses the increasing incidences of right-wing extremism in German schools, focusing on testimonies from two teachers, Laura Nickel and Max Teske. They highlight disturbing trends, including Nazi salutes on the playground, glorifying Nazi imagery in class chats, and physical assaults. The report underscores the serious nature of these issues, showing that they are not isolated cases but rather part of a growing phenomenon across the country that varies by federal state, yet shows an overall upward trajectory in reported incidents of right-wing extremism.

Nickel and Teske's experiences reveal the daily challenges teachers face in South Brandenburg, where they feel the need to protect students from psychological and physical violence stemming from right-wing ideologies. Their commitment to instilling democratic values has become increasingly difficult; they describe their efforts as a 'zig-zag course' through a landscape filled with hostility. In spring 2023, they publicly addressed these concerns in an open letter, shedding light on the alarming normalization of right-wing behavior among students.

Their narrative raises questions about the broader implications for German society, as these incidents highlight not just isolated incidents of delinquency but also a societal issue that needs to be addressed. The increasing normalization of far-right expression in schools calls for urgent action from educators, policymakers, and communities to ensure a safe learning environment where democratic principles can thrive.

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