School rejects donation for swim lessons over donor’s views

According to Junge Freiheit, the principal informed Jan Timke, a member of the Bremen state parliament for Bündnis Deutschland, that the values he represents do not align with the school’s vision of society. She announced the 150 euros he had offered would be transferred back to him directly.

Timke said he had been approached by an acquaintance who informed him that the school was short 150 euros needed to make swimming instruction possible. The acquaintance asked whether Timke knew of any companies that might support the program financially. Timke decided to provide the funding himself, explaining in a video posted on X that he considers it very important for children to learn how to swim.

Lawmaker Accuses Principal of Violating Neutrality

The conservative politician sharply criticized the school principal’s decision. Timke addressed the principal directly, stating that as a civil servant and school administrator, she is obligated to maintain political neutrality and has no authority to pass judgment on his political work. He accused her of placing her personal opinion above the interests of the children.

Timke argued that the ideologization of schools has advanced to such a degree that the focus is no longer on how to help children, but rather on who is providing the donation. He insisted this must stop.

Donation Redirected to Other Organizations

Following the rejection, Timke called on charitable organizations in Bremerhaven to contact him if they could use the 150 euros. The school principal meanwhile informed him that another donor had fortunately been found, ensuring that the children would be able to attend swimming lessons in any case.

Timke previously founded the political movement “Bürger in Wut” (Citizens in Rage), which merged into Bündnis Deutschland in 2023. The party is currently represented only in the Bremen state parliament among all sixteen German state legislatures.

With information from Junge Freiheit