Escalating right-wing extremism in educational institutions across NRW
A recent increase in far-right incidents at schools and universities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has become a matter of public interest, with the trend being reported by various media outlets.
According to a minor inquiry by a fraction in the state parliament, obtained by a certain website, the number of far-right incidents in NRW increased significantly from 277 in 2023 to 452 in the following year. This worrying trend was also confirmed by the NRW Ministry of Education.
Education Minister Dorothee Feller (SPD) acknowledged the issue, stating that right-wing extremism is a societal problem. The concern is shared by the teachers' union, who expressed worries about the shortage of skilled workers, leaving many schools with limited time for prevention.
The rise of right-wing extremism in NRW is not limited to a specific age group, as extremists are getting younger. The issue is also connected via social media, with new digital right-wing extremist structures and Islamist actors with social media outreach targeting youth.
The Research and Information Center on Anti-Semitism has reported more anti-Semitic incidents at schools with far-right or right-wing populist backgrounds in 2024. This finding aligns with the NRW Ministry of Education's concerns about the increase in far-right incidents.
The issue of right-wing extremism in NRW schools and universities is being discussed in the state parliament, with Dilek Engin, the education spokeswoman for the SPD in the state parliament, criticizing schools for not dedicating enough time to educational work against right-wing extremism.
The trend of increasing right-wing extremist influence on schools and universities in NRW was notably recorded around March 2025, when the Interior Ministry presented the situation report on right-wing extremism. The report highlighted that right-wing extremism has become louder, younger, more digital, and creatively engaged, with a strong presence on social media appealing especially to young people.
As the number of far-right incidents continues to rise, both the NRW Ministry of Education and the Research and Information Center on Anti-Semitism are calling for further investigation and action to address the issue. The concern is real, and it is crucial for all involved parties to work together to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students in NRW.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
