In an effort to combat far-right activities at Mina Witkojc School in Burg, Germany, two teachers, Laura Nickel and Max Teske, tried various interventions. They provided counseling to bullies, taught more lessons about Germany’s Nazi past, and invited a Black rapper to promote mutual respect. Unfortunately, their efforts were ineffective, as students continued to engage in behavior such as using the Nazi salute, drawing swastikas, and playing racist music.
Feeling desperate, Nickel and Teske wrote a public letter addressing the atmosphere of intimidation at the school. They expressed their concern for the safety of teachers and students who openly opposed far-right ideologies and emphasized the need to confront the problem. They believed that schools should be safe spaces, free from fear, and inclusive for everyone.
Despite their intentions, Nickel and Teske faced backlash for their actions. An anonymous group of parents demanded their dismissal, and their pictures with the caption “Piss off to Berlin” were plastered on light poles near the school. Additionally, they received threats on social media.
Feeling unsupported by their colleagues, the principal, and local administrators, Nickel and Teske made the difficult decision to leave the school and the town of Burg. They expressed that right-wing extremism was prevalent at the school, with expressions of homophobia, sexism, and racial discrimination being common occurrences.
Their experiences raised concerns that the far right has gained significant influence in certain parts of East Germany. Experts suggest that the region’s strong affiliation with far-right messaging is facilitated by various establishments, such as tattoo parlors, nightclubs, sports clubs, and fan clubs associated with FC Energie Cottbus soccer team. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has played a significant role in spreading these ideologies.
The state of Brandenburg’s domestic intelligence service recently declared the AfD’s youth wing, Young Alternative for Germany, as radical and placed it under official surveillance. The education ministry, criticized for its lack of support for the teachers, announced that a teenager suspected of making threats against them on Instagram had been identified.
Timo Reinfrank, the Executive Director of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, an organization that works against right-wing extremism, racism, and antisemitism, highlighted the prevalence of fear in southern Brandenburg. He stated that the far right has declared the area its “home zone.” This is not surprising, as the region has a history of far-right activity predating the AfD’s establishment.
The appeal of the AfD in the eastern part of Germany can be attributed to various factors. Many residents feel like second-class citizens due to the economic challenges they faced after reunification. The AfD has capitalized on issues such as the coronavirus pandemic, the influx of Ukrainian refugees, and the promotion of an “us vs. them” narrative to gain support.
The teachers’ departure from Burg highlights the personal toll of standing up against right-wing populism. Nickel and Teske have faced threats and harassment, with police now investigating the incidents. However, they refuse to view their decision as a defeat. Instead, they believe that by shedding light on the dire conditions in their school, they have sparked a necessary national dialogue about the rise of the far right in Germany.
Nickel emphasizes that Germany has a special responsibility to combat far-right populism due to its history. She believes that action must be taken to prevent the rise of anti-democratic parties.
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