Hesse schools face surge in far-right and racist incidents since 2023
The number of reported far-right, antisemitic, and racist incidents at schools in Hesse has risen sharply. While there were only 39 cases in 2023, the figure jumped to 151 in 2024 and then to 159 in 2025, according to the state's Ministry of Education in Wiesbaden. The Spiegel magazine had previously reported on the trend. These incidents include the use of banned symbols and graffiti.
Hesse's Minister of Education, Armin Schwarz (CDU), told the German Press Agency: "We respond decisively to incidents in schools. Every day, we must stand unconditionally for our values and democracy."
The Ministry of Education states that numerous programs on civic education and democratic values are available to students to prevent extremist incidents—including initiatives to support visits to memorial sites.
On a ministry-run digital platform, teachers can find "a wide range of tested measures, lesson examples, projects, professional development opportunities, cooperation partners, local contacts, key brochures and guidelines, competitions, awareness days, and access to a telephone helpline."
What Are the Consequences of Extremist Acts in Schools?
According to the Ministry of Education, possible consequences following extremist incidents include discussions with students "aimed at changing behavior, exclusion from special class or school events, elective courses, and voluntary activities, up to and including expulsion from school."
Experts suggest that the rise in reported extremist incidents may also reflect increased awareness among teachers.
