Draft directive preparation is a task that the Commission has actively participated in.
In the heart of Berlin, the case of Oziel Inácio-Stech, a gay educator at the Carl-Bolle-Grundschule in Berlin-Moabit, has sparked a wave of concern and action. Inácio-Stech, who has been on sick leave for several months due to bullying and a lack of support from the school management, school supervision, and the education administration, has faced numerous challenges in his professional life.
The AG of the Education and Science Union has been vocal in their criticism of the responsible parties, stating that they have not behaved in a discrimination-sensitive manner. The AG claims that Inácio-Stech has been discredited by the repeated bringing up of unproven and refuted accusations against him, and that the matter has not been addressed with the necessary determination.
The Working Group of Gay Teachers, in conjunction with the Green Party faction and the Senator for Queer Affairs, Alfonso Pantisano, have called for the immediate establishment of an independent complaints office for pedagogical staff. This office would offer protection, attention, and support to staff, independent of school supervision, administration, or school management.
The proposed independent complaints office is intended to be a central, independent, and professionally qualified institution. However, as of now, it is not yet established in the school where Inácio-Stech works.
Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch has apologised in the state parliament for incorrect statements about when she received a letter from Inácio-Stech's lawyer, but not to the educator himself. Inácio-Stech has also been subjected to bullying, insults, and abuse by students due to his homosexuality.
The issue has resonated with the public and political sphere, with several educators' associations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups publicly demanding the creation of an independent, impartial complaints office. They argue that existing mechanisms are inadequate for handling discrimination and harassment complaints effectively within schools.
Berlin’s Senate Department for Education has acknowledged the concerns raised but has yet to confirm the establishment of an independent complaints office. The case has received attention in local media, highlighting the need for systemic change in how schools handle harassment cases, especially those involving LGBTQ+ staff.
There is growing solidarity among educators and LGBTQ+ organizations calling for transparent, accessible reporting channels and safer working conditions. If you need the very latest developments or official announcements, checking Berlin’s local government press releases or LGBTQ+ advocacy groups’ communications would provide the most current information.
Science plays a crucial role in recognizing and addressing workplace wellness issues, such as mental health. In the context of the Oziel Inácio-Stech case, it's essential to adopt health-and-wellness practices that promote a discrimination-sensitive environment and ensure the well-being of all educators, especially those facing challenges like bullying and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
