Susanne Nyström: Deep down, everyone knows what the problem is with Lundsberg

The boarding school Lundsberg, long known for its scandals, continues to grapple with ingrained traditions of hazing, including violence, humiliation, and racism, as revealed in SVT's new documentary series "Arvtagarna." The series presents testimonies and film evidence of older students subjecting younger ones to abuse, mirroring criticisms leveled against the school repeatedly over the years.

Despite multiple investigations and interventions by the Swedish Schools Inspectorate, including a temporary closure in 2013 after students were assaulted with irons, the school has failed to implement fundamental changes. A 2011 inspection found a system of "peer upbringing" where third-year students held power enforced through violence. Even after a thorough review by an external company, which concluded that the problems stemmed from a long tradition of peer upbringing and cult-like rituals, the necessary reforms have not materialized.

Recent events, including a 2025 incident where four high school students were convicted of assault and aggravated trespass against younger children, underscore the persistent issues. Court documents explicitly state that a "deeply rooted and strong peer upbringing" was prevalent at the time of the offenses. While the current operations manager expressed a desire for change, he also acknowledged the need for a "smart" approach due to the influence of families with long-standing ties to the school, describing it as "some kind of sect."

However, the operations manager's claim to SVT that changing a school takes at least five to seven years is demonstrably false for Lundsberg, given its history of recurring problems. The article suggests that influential individuals within the school community are more invested in maintaining the existing culture than in eradicating the harmful practices, indicating a deep-seated resistance to genuine reform.