School expulsions are exploding in Greifswald: violence and drugs in focus!

School expulsions are exploding in Greifswald: violence and drugs in focus!

In recent years, the “Erwin Fischer” comprehensive school in Greifswald, which was inaugurated by Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) in August 2019, has drawn attention not only through its impressive investment volume of 17.5 million euros, but also through worrying developments. As the Ostsee-Zeitung reports, the school has the most expulsions in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and the number has multiplied to twelve in the current 2024/25 school year, after starting last year with only two expulsions. The 600 percent increase is particularly worrying.

Expulsions are primarily due to serious incidents related to violence, bullying and drug-related offenses. Five of the twelve references to the Greifswald facility are missing. Neubrandenburg and Rostock are also affected, where four and three referrals were recorded respectively. The AfD parliamentary group spokesman Enrico Schult sees the state government as having a duty and calls for more teachers with “natural authority” and better sanction options in order to counteract such developments.

Challenges in schools

The rise in school expulsions highlights a broader problem: violence in schools. The Ministry of Education warned in a statement of increasingly aggressive incidents. These include bullying, physical harm and even threats, which can make life at school miserable for children and young people. In one particular case, two ninth graders were expelled from school in Auschwitz because of a right-wing extremist gesture, but this expulsion was withdrawn due to unclear evidence.

In this context, the left-wing state leader Hennis Herbst has not remained idle. He emphasizes that right-wing extremism and political polarization in schools must be urgently addressed. Prevention programs should not be put off for a long time; they must be strengthened immediately. The Ministry of Education also recognizes that the development of necessary prevention strategies is essential to ensure a safe environment.

Prevention measures are required

According to those responsible, comprehensive prevention work is necessary to counteract the challenges of school violence and bullying. Schools must address the challenge of violence prevention as an entire organization. As the Austrian Ministry of Education emphasizes, it is crucial to counter violence with a zero-tolerance policy and to promote a culture of mindfulness and the naming and rejection of discrimination. In addition, teachers’ personal, social and system skills must be strengthened.

Developing a positive environment that discourages aggressive behavior is essential. The long shadow of experiences of violence in schools not only has short-term consequences, but can also have long-lasting negative effects on the mental health of students. In addition, the workshops that many schools now offer are an important step in the right direction. These workshops are intended to support students on their path to becoming responsible citizens and address topics such as democracy, discrimination and extremism. Promoting a positive culture of remembrance is also part of this.

The interaction of preventive measures and a clear approach to violations can help to cultivate a climate of tolerance and appreciation in our schools.