“Limiting Freedoms to One Field is Not Ethical”

Abdullah Karahan from Eğitim-Sen Union criticized the recent allowing of students to wear headscarves in schools. 

“We demand the removal of compulsory religion classes. This recent allowing is a result of that. A state is entitled to be neutral with regard to the religion and shouldn’t make either one salient. However, the AKP government is practicing the Turkish-Islam synthesis. 

Karahan also reminded the situation of Alevi people regarding the religious classes which is known to teach on Sunni Islam. 

“AKP thinks they can do anything within the 4+4+4 system and polarize all parties. Limiting freedoms to one field is not ethical.

“On one hand, you will suppress all legitimate opposition with tear gas, on the other hand you will deepen the conservatism in the country. This is hypocrisy.”

Teachers face investigation 

Another point Abdullah Karahan underlined was the investigations that  Eğitim Sen-affiliated teachers faced after the education ministry’s ruling on the allowing of casual clothing in classrooms. 

“For years, we have struggled for all freedoms. Last year, we had a decision for the dress-code freedom for teachers. Since last years, teachers can enter classrooms with casual clothing.

“If freedoms will come in one field, it should be made in a way to respect individuals’ conscience and liking. When we defend these values, our members face investigations.

“AKP’s allowing of headscarves in classrooms now is a sign that they are being nourished by fabricated crisis.” (YY/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.