Turkish High School Students Ally To “Come Out Of Darkness”

Turkey’s high school students are coming together to protest new administration assigned by the Ministry of Education that is trying to destroy their schools’ long-established values.

About a year ago, a legislative change allowed the Ministry of Education in Turkey to start appointing new administration in high schools. Before this new system, the century old foundations associated with these prestigious high schools chose its own administration through a series of exams or by promoting educators within the schools. The new system turned 11 high schools in Istanbul, 5 schools in Ankara and 3 schools in Izmir into 'project schools'.

Students and graduates started protesting the new administration through a series of announcements; mainly targeting the restrictive nature of administrations' decisions and acts.

Notre Dame de Sion students wrote:

"We are witnessing the banishment of our teachers who have broadened our horizons. We realize this is the start of a change of education policy. We will not submit to this erosion".

"Our school, which followed a modern and civilized education model, is now imposing Turkey's current political views by restricting freedom of expression and physical appearance". In the announcement, they explained how female students were targeted to degradation and disciplinary punishment solely based on their appearance. They also pointed out that transphobic, sexist and homophobic statements were being made during classes, which consequently normalized harassment.

Vefa Lisesi students wrote "The traditional events of our school are being restrained. Our principle allows people and organizations that have no educational relevance to impose their biased opinions onto students, making it compulsory for students to attend their conferences. Students are being oppressed into following certain dress codes and receiving threats or contempt if they do not follow through".

birgun.net / Via static.birgun.net

Students protested the new principal during his speech by turning their backs on him.

Via Twitter

Multiple high schools wrote announcements.

In their announcement, students stated that the new administration was cancelling cultural events due to its guests' political views and sexual orientation. Meanwhile, events in opposition of a modern secular education mentality receives the green light. This all highlights how the new administration imposes views "that have no educational value".

A total of 18 high schools protested the repressive nature of the new system aiming to destroy the strong values and rights, such as the freedom of speech, that students cherish in their schooling system.

They are uniting to 'come out of darkness'.

Erdoğan condemned the protesters for initiating potential unrest.