Increased backing for educational institutions from right-wing extremist groups
Brandenburg and Spremberg Collaborate to Combat Right-Wing Extremism in Schools
In a bid to address the rising concern of right-wing extremism, particularly in schools, the city of Spremberg and the state of Brandenburg have joined forces to implement a multi-faceted approach.
The collaboration, spearheaded by the Tolerant Brandenburg Coordination Office, will focus on supporting schools with information resources and potentially additional school social workers. The head of the office, Alfred Roos, plans to meet with all school principals in Spremberg to understand their perceptions of the problems and exchange views on potential solutions.
Mayor Christine Herntier of Spremberg has called for the city's problems with right-wing extremism to no longer be ignored. She has been praised by Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) for her efforts in exposing right-wing extremist activities and addressing the concerns of residents.
The state government recognizes the importance of open communication, clear issue addressing, and finding solutions together to combat right-wing extremism. Woidke has emphasized the need for a united front in this fight, stating that the growing influence of right-wing extremism in Spremberg is a matter of concern for the entire community.
In addition to the school-focused initiatives, the collaboration also involves monitoring and combating right-wing extremist activities, and engaging in educational and community initiatives that counter the ideology promoted by militant neo-Nazi groups. The region faces challenges due to the influence of far-right political parties such as the AfD, which has significant electoral support locally.
The Amadeu Antonio Foundation, an organization that focuses on strengthening civil society and curbing right-wing extremism, racism, and anti-Semitism, is among the expert organizations involved in this collaboration. The foundation's involvement indicates a multi-level approach that includes community engagement, youth outreach, and public space monitoring.
Public discussion forums will be held as part of the collaboration, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and contribute to the solution. Another meeting is planned for November to discuss the issues further. Roos intends to contact the Lausitz Round - a municipal alliance, to discuss the issues with right-wing extremism in Spremberg.
The Brandenburg state government provides full support to Spremberg's mayor in addressing right-wing extremism. Woidke respects and recognizes Herntier for her efforts in this regard, and has promised to stand with her in the fight against right-wing extremism.
As the collaboration progresses, it is hoped that the combined efforts of the city and the state, along with the expertise of organizations like the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, will help to reduce the influence of right-wing extremism in Spremberg and create a safer, more inclusive environment for its residents, particularly its young people.
- The ongoing collaboration between Spremberg and Brandenburg, aimed at countering right-wing extremism, extends beyond school initiatives to include general news, politics, and crime-and-justice sectors, by monitoring and combating right-wing extremist activities.
- As the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, an organization dedicated to education-and-self-development, works with the city and state to combat right-wing extremism, it also engages in public space monitoring, youth outreach, and community initiatives that promote tolerance and diversity.
