For greater understanding, the school director calls for Islamic training for teachers

But that’s not all: he demands that basic Islamic principles are also offered in further training for teachers who are already practicing. “It should also be offered as additional training, because you need to know how others think. Otherwise you can’t understand it,” the director explains. Young teachers are ill-prepared for everyday school life and often do not know how to deal with conflicts. “There is a lack of educational practice,” the school director clearly criticizes. Since the education reform, there have been significantly fewer school visits during training, leaving many graduates ‘no idea what they are getting into’.

Violence in schools is increasing
But it’s not just the lack of consequences that worries him. He also sees cultural and religious backgrounds as contributing causes. “A large number of the students at my school come from a different culture where the way we deal with and approach violence is completely different. Part of this has to do with the culture these newcomers come from. But it also has a lot to do with their understanding of religion,” he explains.

Sanctions must have a deterrent effect
For Klar it is essential that the age of criminal responsibility is reduced to twelve years. “There are children who know very well that they are not criminally liable and therefore do not have to fear any consequences. This is a big mistake,” he emphasizes. There should also be stricter penalties for violence in schools. “Our students need to know that there are consequences. Anyone who hits has a problem. And anyone who hits consistently doesn’t belong in this group.”

His solution: heavier punishments, but also psychological support. “Anyone who hits has a problem. Anyone who hits constantly does not fit into this group. At the same time, we need psychologists, social workers and therapists, not to understand the perpetrators, but to tackle the problem. If I park incorrectly, I get a ticket. If I beat up someone at school, I need to know there will be consequences. Prevention is good, but it doesn’t work without punishment,” shouts the school director.

Fear for the school’s reputation
A central problem is the increasing violence in schools. “There are clear problems and it is time for them to be spoken out loud. We have to scream,” Klar demands. Many schools would remain silent for fear of negative publicity and the institution’s reputation. “You don’t want to get into trouble with your superiors,” he explains. Concerns about the school’s reputation mean that many school leaders do not speak openly about their difficulties.

“As long as everyone tries in their own small way to present an ideal world to the outside world, there will be no solutions,” the school director warns. He also criticizes the lack of willingness to face the challenges: “I know of cases where school principals did not want to speak publicly about violent students for fear of threats to communities.” a big hurdle.

Klar also demands that integration needs clear rules: “We want to integrate everyone into our culture, but that cannot be achieved by stroking alone. Clear guidelines are needed,” he says. He is particularly critical of the inadequate measures against bullying and violence. “Politicians must recognize that we not only need safety measures, but also clear values,” Klar demands.

“I have good hope that politicians will one day respond and that we will take the necessary measures,” Klar concludes. “It’s about the future of our students and the safety of our schools.”

Watch the entire interview in the video above!