Fight for prayer rooms: schools in Berlin in court!

Fight for prayer rooms: schools in Berlin in court!

The discussion about religious practices in schools is becoming increasingly important. The Society for Civil Rights is planning to take action against prayer bans in schools before the Berlin administrative court. This initiative is based on the Berlin State Anti-Discrimination Act and could have far-reaching consequences for the design of religious practices in educational institutions. In this context, a school principal from Berlin-Mitte, who remains anonymous, reported that many school principals in the city center are confronted with inquiries about prayer rooms and praying students. These challenges are being discussed more and more frequently in the school community.

A nationwide survey in the Deradicalization Research Association showed that more than a third of the participants are confronted with religious challenges in everyday school life. Problems range from difficulties related to religious festivals and fasting during Ramadan to bullying of students who do not adhere to Islamic dress or dietary rules. What is striking is that a quarter of those surveyed had experiences with “Islamist attitudes or statements”. Of particular concern is the increase in anti-Semitic incidents in schools, which have occurred more frequently since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent Gaza war.

Religious diversity in everyday school life

The establishment of prayer rooms and the consideration of prayer times for Muslim students seem to be becoming increasingly necessary. A headmaster criticized that the existing information brochure “Islam and Schools”, which has existed for 16 years, no longer adequately reflects the current problems. This development highlights the increasing need for better integration of religious needs into everyday school life.

Another aspect of this issue is the discrimination that many people experience because of their religious affiliation. According to the Anti-Discrimination Agency, employers must ensure that there is no discrimination based on religion or belief. The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) prohibits such discrimination, but Muslim women in particular who wear a headscarf often experience disadvantages in working life. This is evident, for example, in the question of whether they are invited to job interviews or whether they are asked to take off their headscarf.

Social change and responsibility

The answer to the question of how religious diversity can be dealt with in the education system and in the workplace is of great social relevance. Better awareness and a respectful approach to the religious practices of all students and staff are necessary steps to prevent discrimination and promote harmonious coexistence. The developments in Berlin are not just a local phenomenon, but reflect a broader social change that should also receive attention in other parts of Germany and the world.

It remains to be seen how the legal dispute over prayer rooms in schools will develop and what conclusions can be drawn from it for the integration of religious practices in educational institutions. The coming months will be crucial in clarifying these important questions.

For further information about discrimination based on religion, those interested can visit the website of the Society for Civil Rights ( exxpress.at ) or the anti-discrimination agency ( antidiscriminationsstelle.de ) visit.