It is a recurring discussion: is Constitutional Article 23, on freedom of education, still relevant in this day and age? Vermeulen believes so. ‘We owe our current diverse range of schools to it, which gives parents and pupils real freedom of choice,’ he explains. He believes that the dual system, in which the government funds both public and special education equally, has proven itself. ‘Our educational pluralism protects minorities and allows a thousand flowers to bloom, although the principle of freedom can sometimes clash with the principle of equality.’
By the latter, Vermeulen is referring to some orthodox religious schools that still have a denominational admission policy for pupils. ‘Those schools have the freedom to make these choices, although this is limited by fundamental rights and anti-discrimination laws. In practice, this means that only a small number of orthodox schools can still pursue a denominational admission policy, although under the General Equal Treatment Act, they are not allowed to refuse pupils on essential characteristics, such as sexual orientation. This creates a field of tension that often leads to self-selection: Orthodox parents who know their child will have a hard time in strict Orthodox schools are more likely to opt for a milder religious educational institute.’
Despite this tension, Vermeulen advocates for preserving freedoms for special schools. ‘With full educational funding, the government may impose requirements on the common curriculum – the compulsory subjects and learning outcomes – but schools must remain free to choose their own educational colour: the ideals underpinning their education. That freedom is what makes our education so pluralistic.’
Shifting understanding
For years, Vermeulen believed that the government should abstain from moral influence through education. In his farewell address, he admits that his position has shifted. ‘I see the democratic rule of law weakening, in the Netherlands and across Europe. Think of Hungary and Russia, but also Poland and the Czech Republic. For a long time we thought those authoritarian regimes would disappear on their own, but I too have been naïve about that.’
His new understanding has also changed his view of Europe. Vermeulen used to be a Eurosceptic, but he now advocates for more European cooperation in education. ‘The EU must stand strong not only economically, but also normatively. The democratic rule of law is the core of our freedom, and it is under pressure.’
Vermeulen sees Trump's re-election in the United States as a tipping point. ‘His contempt for the rule of law, free press and international treaties undermines faith in democratic stability. This also has a big impact on Europe. And that makes it legitimate for the government to actively protect our rule of law. An important place to do so is education.’
According to Vermeulen, the government can directly influence the upcoming generation through education. ‘By funding schools, the government can set educational requirements. Not to indoctrinate, but to protect the foundations of our society. If we lose the democratic rule of law, we lose ourselves.’
Civic education as a foundation
Civic education is indispensable to encourage pupils to contribute to the preservation of the democratic rule of law, according to Vermeulen. ‘For a long time, we took our democracy for granted, but we are now seeing that fragmentation and undermining are on the rise.’
Vermeulen therefore sees the strengthened 2021 Civic Duties Clarification Act as a necessary step. ‘The earlier citizenship law of 2006 was too non-committal. The new law requires pupils not only to know the basic values of the democratic rule of law, but also to make them their own to some extent. This is necessary to become more resilient. We are engaged in an ideological battle with countries like Russia and China, and it is largely taking place online. Young people must learn to use information critically, to resist manipulation and disinformation.’
He is particularly concerned about the influence of social media. ‘They weaken people's ability to focus, reduce feelings of happiness, and make young people more susceptible to indoctrination. So digital resilience is also part of civic education.’
Limits to government influence
But Vermeulen also warns against government interference going too far. ‘Civic education should never degenerate into indoctrination. The government should not sit in the teacher's chair – that affects freedom of education. Education needs to become more dialogic, where students learn to take and defend positions. Because dialogue is a prelude to morality.’
An important aspect of citizenship, according to Vermeulen, is the understanding that everyone belongs to a minority in some way. ‘It is precisely the space for differences that makes the democratic rule of law strong. Granted: within that space, there can be friction and tensions can arise between freedom and equality. This is what makes the democratic rule of law tricky: everyone finds it comfortable to claim they know the truth. But we must avoid claims to ‘the’ truth translating into autocratic politics.’
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