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‘Welcome Schools’ spark fierce debate over integration and segregation risks

A union’s bold claim calls ‘Welcome Schools’ divisive—not inclusive. As legal wins empower teachers, will Germany’s states rethink their approach to integration?

In this image I can see the memorial. In-front of the memorial I can see the flowers which are in...
In this image I can see the memorial. In-front of the memorial I can see the flowers which are in red and pink color. In the background I can see many trees.

‘Welcome Schools’ spark fierce debate over integration and segregation risks

A new debate over school integration has erupted after an initiative backed by the GEW union labelled 'Welcome Schools' as 'segregation schools'. The criticism comes as political figures propose fresh measures to address cultural inclusion. Meanwhile, recent legal victories for teachers in Karlsruhe have added weight to the union’s influence in education policy.

The GEW union’s stance on 'Welcome Schools' has sparked controversy, with critics arguing these institutions create division rather than fostering integration. The union’s position varies across states due to differing regional challenges. In Thuringia, where shrinking student numbers threaten school closures, the GEW prioritises models that maintain local education sites and improve quality through smaller classes and community cooperation. By contrast, in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, the focus remains on resisting funding cuts and securing stable staffing levels.

The clash over 'Welcome Schools' highlights deep divisions in how integration should be handled. With the GEW union gaining legal ground and political figures pushing new initiatives, the debate is set to continue. The outcomes will likely impact funding, school structures, and teacher conditions across different states.

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