Particle.news

Brandenburg Parliament Backs 'School Without Racism' Network

State backing strengthens schools' ability to run organized anti-discrimination programs.

Overview

  • The Landtag voted Tuesday to promote the nationwide network 'Schule ohne Rassismus - Schule mit Courage', rejecting an AfD motion that had sought a ban.
  • The AfD accused the program of political indoctrination and nonneutral teaching, while the Landtag majority from SPD, CDU and Wir für Brandenburg defended the network as part of civic education.
  • Education Minister Gordon Hoffmann said there is no neutrality toward racism and reported that local votes, including one in Bestensee where 78% supported joining, follow the network's rules.
  • About 300 students from roughly 73 Brandenburg schools met in the Potsdam Landtag for workshops on bullying, classism, radical social media influence and cultural projects such as rap and dance.
  • The network requires at least 70% approval in a secret ballot by students, teachers and staff before a school joins, and the state vote could encourage more school-level decisions and further political challenges over how schools address discrimination.