The Danish Parliament’s decision to exclude the Israel-Palestine conflict from the upcoming school election in 2026 has sparked controversy, with several organizations feeling misunderstood after their letter of concern was used as justification for the exclusion.

The Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade, maintains the decision was based on an assessment from the Agency for Education and Quality, which cited a letter from organizations including the Danish Teachers’ Association, Danish School Students, and Bupl. Gade argues that the complex nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict requires more time than is available during the school election.

Several of the organizations that signed the letter have expressed feeling misunderstood, stating that the purpose of their letter was not to deselect topics, but to address the way discussions were conducted and the materials used during the previous election.

The letter was sent following the 2024 school election, during which the Danish People’s Party Youth distributed fake airline tickets resembling one-way tickets from Denmark to the Middle East. The organizations’ intention was to prevent students from feeling “shamed,” as some had criticized the DFU campaign for doing.

Gade emphasized that the topics discussed are a means to educate students about democracy. The school election, held every two years for students in 8th-10th grade, is designed to strengthen young people’s democratic education and political self-confidence.

The election spans three weeks and culminates in an election night at Christiansborg, where the results are broadcast on national television. The next school election is scheduled for 2026.