Teachers must shake hands to accept Danish culture, argues former principal

A former teacher and school principal is calling for a mandatory handshake policy for teachers in Danish public schools. Carsten Hogstad argues that the handshake symbolizes integration into the Danish community and acceptance of its culture and norms.

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If you want to be a primary school teacher, you must of course also shake hands – regardless of what you believe in.

In an opinion piece for Berlingske, Hogstad questions why the same standards are not applied to teachers and educators entrusted with children's care. He references an earlier argument by school principal Yasar Cakmak, who emphasized the importance of handshakes in school settings. Cakmak elevated the issue to a principled question: are Danish/Western values essential for teaching in the Danish public school system? Hogstad's answer is a resounding yes.

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The handshake is a symbol that the person is joining the Danish community and thereby accepting Danish culture and norms.

The debate touches upon the integration of cultural practices within the educational system and the expectations placed upon educators. Hogstad's stance suggests a belief that teachers should embody and visibly demonstrate adherence to Danish societal norms as a prerequisite for their profession.

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Why not set the same requirements for the teachers and educators in whose care we entrust our children?