Blatant Bullying at Berlin Primary School: More Teachers Speak Out Against Overt Discrimination
Berlin Primary School: Extra Educators Voice Discontent - Criticism voiced by additional teachers at a primary school in Berlin
Welcome to the gritty, unfiltered truth about Carl-Bolle Primary School in Berlin-Moabit, where a once solitary gay teacher's tale of bullying has now escalated, with more educators coming forward, unveiling a profound issue that seems to have been swept under the rug.
According to several teachers who've engaged, or previously engaged, at the school, they've been subjected to disrespectful and discriminatory conduct by students, met with no consequences.
One disillusioned teacher branded the Berlin authorities' response as an "epic system failure," alleging that, in 2018, teachers had alerted school authorities about violence, discrimination, and bullying, yet no action was taken.
Another educator shared a harrowing tale of a student threatening her before a PE lesson, revealing that he intended to stab another classmate with a knife. She took action, confiscating the knife and informing the school management. However, her efforts went unheeded, as there was initially no response from the school management when queried by the German Press Agency (dpa).
This debacle conjures up memories of the infamous Rütli School in Neukölln, which hit headlines in 2006, symbolizing the breakdown of the school system. Teachers wrote a public letter, detailing the appalling conditions that made teaching impossible. After years of investment and staff recruitment, the school is now hailed as a model project.
The SPD wants answers
With alarming parallels, Marcel Hopp, the SPD education expert in the state parliament, expressed concern: "We have some questions about this," he stated to the German Press Agency. "Firstly, who takes responsibility in such cases?"
The SPD demands a thorough investigation into the conditions at the school and expects those in charge to stand up for teachers confronted with bullying. "Unfortunately, that did not happen here," Hopp criticized, voicing a clear systematic problem that needs addressing.
Both the school management, school supervision, and the Senator for Education are required to contribute to the clarification: "How can it be that several teachers have reported such cases for years, and nothing happens?"
Greens demand independent feedback mechanism
The Greens in the Berlin state parliament also demand accountability. Louis Krüger, the Greens' spokesman for school policy, stated that the internal complaints structures have failed, compelling them to advocate for an independent complaints office for students, parents, and staff.
At the school, teacher Oziel Inácio-Stech has allegedly endured insults, bullying, and threats from Muslim students for months, compounded by false accusations from a colleague. The school management, school supervision, and education administration failed to provide protection, despite repeated cries for assistance, resulting in Inácio-Stech's extended sick leave.
Krüger criticized: "A queer teacher was bullied and threatened in Berlin for months - and left alone by the school management, school supervision, and the education administration."
The CDU politician is called to address the issue comprehensively in the education committee on Thursday, according to Krüger. "Those who bear responsibility must not shy away."
The education administration insisted to dpa that it is dedicated to combating any form of discrimination and fostering tolerance and diversity in schools. "We take the concerns of those affected – both students and staff – very seriously and work continuously to clarify facts and provide appropriate resources and support options if necessary."
Parents voice concerns
The problem is not confined to the school itself, as Lorenz Liebold, the parent representative, shared his concerns: "There are instances of such behavior at our school, but they often go unchallenged." However, this is not due to a lack of willingness from teachers or school management to address the issues; rather, it's the sheer volume of cases that makes it an uphill battle.
The heart of the issue lies in the segregation and social divide in the school's catchment area, argued the parent representative. "The core problem is that the student mix does not reflect the neighborhood's demographic makeup."
The parents do not intend to victimize Muslims or regard Islam as the problem. "The issue is poverty, lack of education, and the concentration of less privileged children in specific schools."
[1] https://www.stopbullying.gov/
- In response to the escalating issue of bullying at Carl-Bolle Primary School, the Greens in the Berlin state parliament are advocating for an independent complaints office for students, parents, and staff, as they believe the current internal complaints structures have failed to address concerns effectively.
- Education-and-self-development: The SPD education expert, Marcel Hopp, has expressed concern over the situation at Carl-Bolle Primary School, calling for a thorough investigation into the conditions and urging those in charge to stand up for teachers facing bullying, citing a systemic problem that needs addressing.
