Danish politicians are proposing school reforms aimed at combating violence, restoring order, and ensuring safety in public schools. The proposal comes in response to increasing reports of violence against teachers and a perceived decline in educational standards.

The proposal, put forth by Morten Messerschmidt (DF), Inger Støjberg (DD), Mona Juul (K) and Sólbjørg Jakobsen (LA), includes granting school principals the authority to expel students for violent behavior. This measure is intended to address the growing concerns of teachers who feel unsafe in their workplaces. Recent reports indicate that violence against employees has increased in numerous Copenhagen public schools, with incidents ranging from punches and death threats to physical abuse becoming commonplace.

The politicians argue that the current school environment, particularly in areas with a high proportion of non-Western students, is characterized by fear and a lack of control. They claim that teachers are hesitant to address sensitive topics due to the risk of triggering violent reactions from certain student groups, leading to a form of “Islamic social control” within the classroom.

The proposed reforms also aim to re-establish a common curriculum in 25 percent of academic subjects, ensuring that students are exposed to Danish cultural heritage and essential knowledge. Additionally, the proposal seeks to decentralize decision-making, granting individual schools greater autonomy to address their specific needs and challenges. The politicians emphasize that their plan is not a radical overhaul but a necessary intervention to rescue the public school system from chaos and ensure a safe and effective learning environment for both students and teachers.

The politicians criticize the opposing SF party for what they perceive as decades of irresponsible naivety in school policy. They express relief that SF withdrew from the school agreement before the last election, allowing for a real opportunity to address the problems that SF is accused of contributing to. The ultimate goal of the reforms is to create a school system where students can learn in peace, teachers can teach without fear, and the community is built on clear values and education.