HAGEN. The school cannot guarantee that she will not become infected with Corona in the classroom. "We can't even comply with the prescribed hygiene rules at our school," says the headmistress. A 13-year-old schoolgirl sits - with the consent of her parents - in icy temperatures in front of the school building to study. The protest action has now called the youth welfare office and the district government into action, as the "Westfalenpost" reports: The parents are now being threatened with taking the teenager into care. The school board has also gotten involved.
With the determination of climate activist Greta Thunberg, the girl sits in the schoolyard in front of the entrance to Hagen's Heinrich-Heine-Realschule. It sees the action as a protest against a school policy that apparently accepts the contamination of the student body without taking care of vulnerable children and young people. “I follow all hygiene rules. There are many children like me. But there are also those who are not vaccinated and do not follow the rules. And I don't sit in the same room with them anymore," says the student, who is considered a high-risk patient. Formally, she could be released from face-to-face classes due to her previous illness. Only: Then she would have no right to lessons. She now follows it online on her laptop screen outside the school building.
According to a new report by the "Westfalenpost", the Hagen youth welfare office sees the well-being of the girl at risk. With a school psychological report, it wants to ensure that the student - isolated from her classmates from the 7th grade - is taught in her own room: "The protest may be well intentioned, but it is about a 13-year-old child who is wind and weather sits outside and doesn't see the whole thing," the newspaper quotes the head of the city's youth and social affairs department as saying. If the student continues the action in the schoolyard, he may order her to be taken into care.
The responsible district government in Arnsberg says it is concerned about the student's health. "It doesn't make sense to stay out in the cold, even if you want to set an example," said a spokesman for the authority that is also responsible for school supervision. He is understanding. "The student is fighting for school education, and we are trying to think our way into her position." The district government has a compromise in mind that should make it possible for the girl to work online in a separate room or at home attend classes.
"And if the politicians don't get it baked, I'll try to find other supporters all over Germany"
Only: The 13-year-old isn't fighting for school education alone. She criticizes the lack of protection against infection in the school. Unvaccinated people are "thrown out" everywhere, she quotes the "Westfalenblatt": "Only not in schools, and I think that's stupid." She herself is vaccinated. Many young people worked great during the pandemic and lost their youth, says the student: "All without grumbling. Now, however, we are being dragged to the school like a lamb to be slaughtered so that we are all infected.” She further emphasizes: “I am fighting for my cause. And if the politicians don't get the hang of it, I'll try to find other supporters all over Germany and get it right.” Doesn't sound like a willingness to compromise.
The headmistress - who is apparently being put under pressure by the district government - is behind the girl's action. If desired, she will provide the student with her own room in the school. "But if she insists on staying in the schoolyard, then we won't stop her," says the principal. The school is very aware of its duty of care: "We provide them with tea and they regularly warm up in the building." she doesn't get cold."
"She wants to point out grievances, and I think that's a good thing. She is no longer a small child."
Basically, the headmistress approves of her pupil's courageous demeanor: "She wants to point out grievances, and I think that's a good thing. She is no longer a toddler, but a very reflective person. She wants to fight.” And anyway: she will not force her student to do anything. As headmistress, she is also responsible for the personal development of the young people entrusted to her, who should mature into independently thinking and critical people. "That's why everyone at this school who has a legitimate interest can speak up." News4teachers / with material from the dpa
Click here for the current report in the "Westfalenpost".
