Rejecting Racism in School Books

Those who cannot accept the fact that history is being taught at schools in a way to incite enmity, are being called on to say "No" to hostility and discrimination in history education.

The signers of the text demand that certain sections are removed from history books. They feel steps that are taken toward removing enmity from history books will contribute to democratization, respect for human rights and increased quality in education. The signers commit to make every kind of contribution in their fields of expertise.

"A one-sided approach, which could lead to political conflict, should not be reflected to education no matter what. International experience should be an example on how to teach controversial and sensitive issues to children and the youth. The United Nations has regulations on such issues since the 1950s. Of course, every country has personal, bitter, controversial and sensitive issues. However, such issues should be handled in a way respectful of differences, and in a way that helps settlement, agreement and confidence between peoples of different countries," reads the text.

The signature campaign was initiated by the Surveillance Group, which was formed to oppose the National Education Ministry's attempt to teach at schools the groundlessness of the allegations of "Armenians, Greek-Pontus and Asyrians."

The Surveillance Group is composed of history teachers, who took place in the preparation of and spent efforts for the "unarming history" file, other educators and members of the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Commission of the Human Rights Association (IHD).

The related resolution of the European Council, UNESCO's Article Against Discrimination in Education (1960), United Nations' Article to Prevent Racial Discrimination (1966), Report of Personal Rights of National, Ethnic, and Religious Minorities (1992), many articles of the Human Rights Europe Agreement (1950), and related articles from the Turkish Constitution and laws were also included in the text.

"It is prohibited to use history education for propaganda, and in a way to create discrimination and violate a certain group's human rights," the text says.

The Surveillance Group also aims to spend efforts to stop implementation (conferences at schools, composition competitions, sending reports to the education administrations saying the requirements were met, etc.), watch developments, create public awareness and organize meetings. (NM/EA/NM)