Controversy has erupted over the recent appointment of religious officials as “spiritual counsellors” in schools in Turkey, awakening concerns about the impact on students’ well-being.
Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency, Veysel Beyazadam of the İzmir branch of Eğitim-Sen (Turkey’s main teachers’ union), warned of potential psychological and spiritual problems. A memorandum signed by the local educational and religious authorities, has assigned religious officials to 842 primary, secondary and high schools. A third of the city’s schools have been affected, drawing criticism from various sectors. Similar protocols have been implemented in Istanbul and Eskişehir.
Parents in particular have expressed anxiety due to past experiences with religious officials in schools. Beyazadam questioned the basis and selection process for the protocol, and the lack of clarity regarding the pedagogical knowledge of Quran course instructors. He argued that the memorandum could infringe on the freedom of religion and conscience, targeting specific religious sects and undermining social peace. Beyazadam accused the government of aiming to create a “supervised generation” and controlling children’s activities even outside school.
Beyazadam highlighted the need for psychological counsellors and guidance teachers in schools and criticised the current approach of appointing religious officials. The teachers’ union has received numerous complaints in the past with regard to religious officials in schools, and plans to persist in its struggle against such practices. Beyazadam stressed the importance of addressing the issue appropriately, particularly with the pressing need for teachers and trained counsellors, rather than religious officials.
