German educators urge voters to support open-mindedness ahead of state elections

Ahead of upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin, prominent German educators and researchers have issued a joint appeal to voters. The German Philologists' Association and the German University Association are urging citizens to "Strengthen forces for open-mindedness" with their vote.

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Strengthen with your voice those forces that stand for open-mindedness and reliably protect the autonomy of science and education.

The appeal, directed at all citizens but particularly at teachers, researchers, and students, stresses that the autonomy of science and education is a fundamental prerequisite for democracy, prosperity, and societal progress. The organizations warn that political interference in curricula, restrictions on university autonomy, or the evaluation of research based on political opportunism can stifle knowledge, diversity of perspectives, and international exchange.

These professional associations advocate for an environment within schools and universities that fosters open, fact-based dialogue and constructive controversy. They specifically defend the compulsory school attendance requirement, viewing it as crucial for exposing children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds to different opinions and fostering their participation in society.

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The freedom of education and science is a prerequisite for democracy, prosperity, and societal progress.

While the appeal does not name specific political parties, it implicitly addresses concerns about parties questioning educational principles. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, for instance, has raised questions about compulsory school attendance, proposing an "education obligation" with a home-schooling option if they were to govern in Saxony-Anhalt.

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Where teaching content is politically controlled, universities are restricted in their autonomy, or research results are evaluated according to political opportunism, knowledge, diversity of perspectives, and international exchange come under pressure.

The German Philologists' Association represents teachers at grammar schools and other secondary schools, while the German University Association serves as a professional body for academics. Both organizations aim to ensure that educational institutions remain free from undue political influence and continue to be centers for critical thinking and open discourse.

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They ensure that children and adolescents with different life worlds, opinions, and worldviews come into contact and experience social participation at school.