Right-wing extremist incidents at schools in Hesse are exploding – red alert!

Right-wing extremist incidents at schools in Hesse are exploding – red alert!

The situation at schools in Hesse is making worrying headlines: the number of right-wing extremist incidents has experienced a frightening increase in recent years. According to reports, as HNA notes, a total of 11 right-wing extremist incidents were reported in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district alone in 2024 and 2025. Eight cases have been recorded for the neighboring Werra-Meißner district. These incidents are not limited to isolated cases - they are part of a worrying trend that can be observed throughout Hesse.

What is particularly striking is that the reports mainly come from secondary schools. These reports include the use of anti-constitutional symbols, such as swastikas and SS runes, as well as xenophobic slogans. A devastating example is the rewritten lyrics of the song “L’amour toujours” by Gigi D’Agostino, which is used as a rallying cry among young people.

Ten times as many incidents – an alarming increase

In the context of this development, it is noticeable that the total reported right-wing extremist incidents in Hessian schools increased to 172 cases in 2024 - four times as many as in the previous year, in which only 37 incidents were registered. These numbers are also confirmed by Hessenschau. Anti-Semitic incidents rose from 17 in 2023 to 32 in 2024. The Ministry of Culture attributes this increase, among other things, to increased awareness and improved reporting behavior.

Around 31 incidents had already been reported by March 20, 2025, which corresponds to almost the entire number of the previous year. Young people are increasingly being targeted by right-wing extremist groups through social media platforms, and the influence of these platforms should not be underestimated. Social polarization has also reached schools, and calls for immediate action are becoming louder.

Consequences and reactions

Schools usually respond to these incidents with educational measures. As part of anti-Semitism decrees, the Hessian Ministry of Culture has called on schools to report such incidents immediately. There are also projects to promote democracy and special training for teachers. But the advice centers are overloaded and need more support, as FR reports. The principal of a school in Kassel encountered an incident in which students shouted racist slogans, but those responsible could not be identified.

Tina Dürr from the Hesse Democracy Center emphasizes how important it is to intervene immediately in the case of right-wing extremist slogans and to educate students about the dangers of extremism. School management is increasingly considering joining the “School without Racism – School with Courage” network and introducing corresponding teaching units. Despite the challenges, educational institutions agree that they must take more active action against these worrying developments in the future.

The situation clearly shows that right-wing extremist ideologies have penetrated everyday school life and have serious consequences. An insight into the deeper issues and the social trends that are contributing to this increase is essential to implement effective prevention. Schools in Hesse face the challenge of not only imparting knowledge, but also defending values ​​and creating a safe learning environment.