"Leave, you're perceived as homosexual. Islam holds dominance in this area."
Facing the Brunt of Intolerance: "You're gay, go away. Islam is the boss here"
By Thomas Schmoll
In the heart of Berlin, a tale of adversity unfolds—a story of a passionate educator, Oziel Inácio-Stech, who bravely chose to stand for truth, despite the looming threat of intolerance. As a teacher at a troubled school in Moabit, Inácio-Stech, a Brazilian immigrant, became the target of bullying due to his sexual orientation. The ordeal he faced was not just about the vicious words hurled at him but also the silence of the school leadership and authorities, prompting him to bring his plight to light.
A Bold Leap: A Gay Teacher Amidst Fanatical FaithInácio-Stech, agonizing over the potential consequences, eventually decided to come out to his students. The school, with a high Muslim population and a large number of immigrant families, added to the trepidation. Might he risk his peace of mind, entrusting his identity to children whose fathers criticized colleagues for perceived improprieties? Or should he shield himself instead? Inácio-Stech chose the path of truth, sharing his personal life with the students when they inquired. However, his choice set off a relentless wave of torment.
A Determined GauntletThe teacher was met with homophobic bullying from students who refused to participate in his lessons, taunting him, "You're a disgrace to your family." Older students told younger ones, "Mr. Inácio-Stech has an illness. He will infect you with his homosexuality." A fifth-grader yelled, "You're gay, go away from here. Islam is the boss here." In a chilling anecdote, a third-grader was forbidden from eating fruit and vegetables that Inácio-Stech sometimes brought for the learning group. The mother said he was unclean.
Seeking Help, Faced with AlienationInácio-Stech approached the school's superiors for help, filing complaints, but the bullying continued. Struggling with psychological problems, the teacher is currently on sick leave and unable to practice his profession. "I live in a nightmare," he admits. Yet, it was not only the insults that caused him distress; it was the school leadership's indifference that weighed heavily on the educator, who particularly supported children with learning difficulties. Inácio-Stech felt abandoned and betrayed, leading him to seek public attention.
A Cry for Help, A Detailed ResponseA Berliner, under the keyword "My topic is gay teacher and fanatical religious parents," reached out to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," viewing it as a plea for help. The newspaper responded with a meticulously researched, comprehensive account of the case, shedding light on the school's condition over the years. Protocols revealed a boy who threatened physical violence against Inácio-Stech, and a girl who proclaimed victory of Islam and the predicted destruction of Christians.
A Systematic Problem: Diversity OverlookedA colleague advised Inácio-Stech to maintain distance from students and adopt a reserved demeanor. The director reportedly suggested he "protect" himself from "potentially arising rumors." The works council observed that the school was visited by "above-average numbers of children from traditional families," making it "difficult to accept diversity." These remarks left Inácio-Stech deeply disappointed, feeling betrayed rather than protected by his superiors.
Outrage, Reaction, and Unanswered QuestionsThe article in the "Süddeutsche" sparked a wave of outrage, particularly due to the school management's silence when questioned about their response to protect the teacher. Thestate's education policy spokesman for the SPD faction in Berlin's House of Representatives, Marcel Hopp, aligns with the teacher's accusations. "If teaching staff report bullying, they are rightfully entitled to protection. And that didn't happen here," Hopp criticized in the "Süddeutsche." He sees a systematic problem that deserves immediate attention.
Politics, Power, and SilenceThe CDU now governs, with Katharina Günther-Wünsch as education senator. She remained evasive in the debate, "to avoid the risk of making demands based on incomplete knowledge of the entire situation or even spreading false facts." She denies accusations of omission and ignorance of the problem in the education committee of the state parliament. At the same time, she cautions against "public stigmatization of the Carl-Bolle-Grundschule" and "generalizations and defamation of the school community." The management continues to remain silent on the issue.
A Case for Inclusive Policies and SupportThe challenges faced by schools with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds in addressing discrimination call for tailored strategies. Implementing comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, providing training for staff and students on inclusivity and respect, and engaging with community leaders to foster acceptance and understanding are advised to create a more inclusive environment for all educators.
- Discrimination
- School
- Teacher
- Berlin
- Islamists
A Call for Change: A Plea for Inclusive PoliciesIn light of the harrowing experiences faced by Oziel Inácio-Stech, it is crucial to reevaluate the community and employment policies in schools such as Carl-Bolle-Grundschule. These policies should prioritize inclusivity, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, recognizing the importance of fostering an environment that promotes both tolerance and general-news discourse.
A Legislation for Equality: Combating Crime and Moving Towards JusticeIn cases where religious ideology is misused to perpetuate discrimination and crime-and-justice issues like bullying, it is essential to address the root causes and legislate to protect the rights of all individuals. This includes developing measures to ensure personal-growth and general-news literacy, as well as promoting policy changes that guarantee protection for teachers and students based on their ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
