Berlin activists push to ban far-right AfD from schools over extremism fears
A coalition of civil society groups in Berlin has launched a petition calling for a ban on AfD representatives in schools. The campaign, titled 'No Platform for the AfD in Berlin Schools—Protect and Empower Children!', argues that the far-right party's anti-constitutional views pose a risk to pupils. Supporters claim the move is necessary to safeguard students from extremist influence and maintain a safe learning environment.
The petition targets Berlin's Senate, urging officials to block the AfD from accessing schools. It cites the party's stance as incompatible with democratic values and warns that its presence could harm children's welfare. Werner Graf, leader of the Green Party in Berlin's House of Representatives, backed the campaign, stating that far-right extremists have no place in educational settings. He stressed that allowing the AfD into schools would disrupt harmony and threaten the safety of young people.
The AfD has countered by invoking the Beutelsbach Consensus, a set of guidelines for political education in schools. The party argues that the consensus requires schools to invite representatives from all parties in the Bundestag. However, lawyer Lukas Theune dismissed this interpretation, clarifying that the consensus does not obligate schools to provide a platform for fascist or anti-democratic groups.
Berlin's School Act already mandates the protection of children's welfare, including shielding them from discrimination and emotional harm. While the city's education authority has stated that schools are not required to invite all parliamentary parties, it also noted they cannot categorically exclude any party represented in parliament. Theune supported the petition's goals but questioned whether a blanket ban could be enforced without limiting school autonomy.
The debate follows broader discussions across Germany about the AfD's role in education. In May 2024, Lower Saxony's Ministry of Education issued guidelines on inviting AfD representatives to schools, though no concrete changes to school practices have been reported so far. Meanwhile, the GEW Berlin teachers' union has rejected the AfD's claims, insisting the Beutelsbach Consensus does not demand equal access for all parties.
The petition's organisers now await a response from Berlin's Senate. If successful, the ban would prevent AfD representatives from entering schools, aligning with existing legal duties to protect students. The outcome could also influence similar debates in other German states, where concerns about extremist influence in education persist.
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