Racism and violence in schools: worrying increase in MV!

Racism and violence in schools: worrying increase in MV!

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania something is happening-and this is anything but gratifying. The Ministry of Education has now published alarming figures that document an increase in racist incidents in public schools. The latest reports show a terrifying increase in extremist acts, which has become increasingly clear in recent years. The increase in incidents with symbolic signs of unconstitutional organizations is particularly questionable, which rose from 16 in the school year 2014/2015 to 95 in the school year 2023/2024. This is evident from an article of the [mopo] (https://www.mopo.de/im-norden/meck-pomm/immer- Meimmer-Mehr-rassisten-vorfaelle-an-schulen-im-norden/).

In the first half of the school year 2024/2025, 38 incidents that are connected to the characteristics of extremist groups, and another 43 cases that presumably have an extremist background have been recorded. For comparison: there were no such events at all less than ten years ago. The connection between violent acts and the rise of right -wing extremist ideologies is obvious and alarming.

a worrying trend

The increase in extremist incidents is not only a snapshot, but has been increasingly solidifying over the past ten years. The News4Teachers emphasizes that over 1,500 acts of violence in school year 2023/2024 were registered, including bodily harm, threats and worsening. It is clear: the schools face a challenge that requires more than just words. A need for action is essential and politicians wonder how they can deal with this growing threat.

The state government has come under pressure to check antigenwalt concepts and take contemporary measures. The demand for more intensive teacher training plays a central role. The focus is on the right preparation for emergencies and violence prevention. However, the AfD rejected an application to improve prevention measures, an action that many critics described as blocking.

The role of education

A positive light in the dark cloud is the project "School without Racism-School with Courage", which has been coordinated by RAA Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since 2007. It makes a valuable contribution to combating discrimination and racism in schools. Education plays a crucial role here; Teachers should be supported within a new digital network in order to be up to the challenges of extremism.

In this context, SPD MP Monique Wölk emphasizes the importance of the Beutelsbach consensus for well-founded opinion formation. In addition, the Greens are calling for improved media education to better recognize right -wing extremists. A comprehensive approach is necessary that includes both prevention and quick action.

What remains is the question of how we want to deal with these developments in society. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania currently has the lowest proportion of migration in schools in Germany with 10%, but that should also not be a reason for relaxation. To dismiss the worrying trends carelessly could have fatal consequences. The responsibility now lies with all of us not only to observe these worrying developments, but to actively counteract.