Schwerin – Rules intended to prevent parents from taking their children out of school early for vacation have been undermined by a member of the government itself: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Justice Minister, Jacqueline Bernhardt (48), authorized her son’s absence from school.
Minister’s Request and Subsequent Rebuke
Winter vacation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern begins Monday. However, Minister Bernhardt sought to begin her vacation on Friday morning, requesting her son be excused from school for the day. Both Bernhardt and the school received a reprimand from the Ministry of Education for this action.
According to a spokesperson for the ministry, which is led by a politician from Die Linke, the submitted request to begin vacation while school was still in session should not have been approved by the school. A premature vacation is not considered a valid reason for absence.
Justification and Public Disclosure
Bernhardt reportedly argued in her request that she would be unable to grab a family vacation during the summer break. The specific “personal hardship” cited to justify the exemption under the state school attendance ordinance was not explained by her spokesperson.
The situation became public since Bernhardt, like many other travelers, was stranded at Berlin Brandenburg Airport due to icy conditions and shared her experience in a WhatsApp status update: “Total standstill! Flights are cancelled!”
The Ministry of Education reminded Bernhardt that all parents are obligated to ensure their children comply with school attendance laws, a requirement that applies without exception, even to the children of government officials. Bernhardt stated to NDR that she submitted her request “properly” and that it was approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did the Justice Minister take regarding her son’s school attendance?
Jacqueline Bernhardt requested that her son be excused from school on Friday to allow her to begin a vacation before the start of winter break.
How did the Ministry of Education respond?
The Ministry of Education reprimanded both Bernhardt and the school for allowing the absence.
Why did the incident become public?
Bernhardt posted about travel disruptions due to weather conditions on her WhatsApp status, revealing her early departure for vacation.
As debates around school attendance and parental discretion continue, what level of flexibility should be granted for family circumstances, and how can consistent standards be applied across all levels of society?
