Justice Minister Jacqueline Bernhardt (Die Linke) faced criticism after her son was granted a school‑leave on the final school day before the holidays so the family could travel, a decision that may breach Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern’s school‑attendance regulations.
Legal framework
The state’s Schulpflichtverordnung (school‑attendance ordinance) is clear: according to Paragraph 8, a student may be exempted before or after a vacation only in “exceptional cases where a refusal would constitute a personal hardship.” The rule aims to prevent families from using school absences to start holidays early or save on travel costs.
“Proper” application
Bernhardt told the NDR that she had filed a “proper” request for her son’s exemption, which was reportedly approved. She announced the planned flight from Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport (BER) with a WhatsApp‑profile photo captioned “Totaler Stillstand! Flüge fallen aus!” The family’s travel was later delayed by ice rain at the airport.
Rebuke from the Bildungsministerium
The Ministry of Education in Schwerin responded that the request “should not have been approved,” since a pre‑vacation departure is not a recognised hardship under the ordinance. The ministry’s spokesperson emphasized that the school could not have granted the leave.
Unclear justification
Bernhardt claimed the exemption was needed because she could not take a joint family vacation during the official summer break. The precise nature of the “personal hardship” was not clarified, and the ministry’s spokesperson could not provide further details. The statement “All parents are obliged by the school law to ensure compliance with the school‑attendance duty” was noted as a reminder of the minister’s own obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Paragraph 8 of the Schulpflichtverordnung require?
It allows a school‑leave before or after vacations only in exceptional cases where refusing the leave would cause a personal hardship.
Did the minister obtain approval for the leave?
Bernhardt said a “proper” application was submitted and approved, but the education ministry later stated the school should not have granted it.
What was the response from the Bildungsministerium?
The ministry warned that the request did not meet the criteria for an exceptional hardship and should not have been approved.
What do you think this controversy reveals about the balance between personal privilege and public responsibility?
