Germany: Teachers' Association criticizes participation of students in climate strike

Berlin - The German Teachers' Association (DL) has criticized the participation of students in the climate strike of the "Fridays for Future" movement (FFF) on Friday. "We refuse that compulsory schooling is lifted in favor of political actions - for example as part of a so-called climate strike," said DL President Heinz-Peter Meidinger to the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). He sees the necessary political neutrality of the state at risk.

Meidinger raised concerns: “Otherwise, the question arises as to which political actions one would get free of school for and which would not. Is it allowed to take a day off from school at a demonstration against world hunger, for peace in the world, for the liberation of Palestine or against 'foreign infiltration'?” The school should not distinguish between “good” and “bad” illegal actions.

The DL President pointed out that there are also opportunities in schools to take a stand against climate change without skipping classes. He cited school working groups and activities during school hours as examples.

Baerbock hopes for a tailwind from the climate strike
The Chancellor candidate of the Greens, Annalena Baerbock, hopes the demonstrations will have a positive effect on the election on Sunday. “These are crucial days for climate protection. Citizens have the opportunity to finally change climate policy: with a powerful climate strike and, above all, in the Bundestag election,” she told Die Welt. “The next government must be a climate government. That is only possible with strong Greens.”

Source: Junge Freiheit