Green Party Calls for Apology from Education Senator Over Teacher's Complaint

In a recent controversy involving a gay teacher, the Berlin Green Party has demanded an apology from Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch. The situation arose after the senator revised her earlier statements regarding a complaint submitted by Oziel Inácio-Stech, a teacher at Carl-Bolle-Schule. Initially, Günther-Wünsch claimed she had not received the complaint until May 2025, but later clarified that it had been delivered personally to her office on December 4, 2024.

Green Party leader Bettina Jarasch has criticized the senator for her handling of the matter, stating that it is essential for her to provide a genuine apology to the teacher and address the issues raised in his complaint appropriately. Louis Krüger, the Green Party's education expert, has called for a thorough investigation into the procedures within the education department, emphasizing the need to clarify who bears responsibility for the situation.

The teacher reported experiencing months of harassment and bullying from students of Muslim backgrounds, as well as facing false accusations from a colleague. His attorney had sent a formal complaint via registered mail to the senator in December 2024, prompting significant concern regarding the treatment of educators in the school system.

During a session at the Berlin parliament on June 5, 2025, the senator had stated that she had not read the extensive complaint. However, she later acknowledged that it had been addressed to her and received in her office back in December, only to be forwarded to the relevant department without her review until May.

In a statement issued on June 20, 2025, Günther-Wünsch expressed regret over her earlier lack of memory concerning the receipt of the letter. She explained that a recent review of the documents revealed that the complaint was indeed in her possession at the time she had initially claimed otherwise. She attributed her earlier misstatements to the state of the internal investigation at that time, noting that the electronic postal log did not reflect the document's presence.

The unfolding of this incident has raised questions about the responsiveness and accountability of the education authorities in Berlin, particularly in relation to matters of discrimination and bullying within schools. The Green Party's demands for transparency and an official response reflect broader concerns regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in educational settings.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect educators and students alike while fostering an inclusive learning environment.