Flag dispute at the HTL Braunau: national pride or overreaction?

A controversial decoration project on HTL Braunau recently caused a sensation. On Friday, the decision to ban the hanging of the Austrian flag including territorial coat of arms made for heated discussions among the students and teachers. The teacher who pointed out the alleged illegality was criticized by many sides. It is legally on the safe side, because the use of the flag and coat of arms is actually reserved for state institutions, such as the crown reported.

The class of the class of patriotically decorating their premises was thus suffocated in the germ. Although the legal arguments are valid, the ban triggered outrage. "What a teacher!" Was the echo among the readers. Critics call for a re -evaluation of the role of national pride in the education system and discuss whether the presentation of a flag is important for the upbringing of young people. Some voices were clear: "It has no added value for a country if someone waves around with a flag!" Therefore, there are many questions in the room: Should patriotism be visible in schools, or is that an outdated concept?

Debate about national symbols

The topic was not only discussed at the HTL Braunau, but also runs through various educational institutions in Germany, where similar regulations and discussions often take place. In the introduction to a larger debate about national symbols, these controversy has heated the minds. One wonders when the national pride goes too far and whether a flag in the classroom is really out of place, or the promotion of patriotic consciousness could be a meaningful measure. In this regard, the political education The view that the use of such symbols can initiate an important discussion about belonging and identity.