A Turkish teacher sued for cultural diversity project in class

A high school teacher who conducted a project to raise awareness and understanding among different ethnic groups and cultures has been sued for allegedly making propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, daily Habertürk reported Monday. As part of sociology lessons at a high school in Istanbul, teacher G.F. asked students to give presentations on the cultures of Roma, Kurdish, Laz, and Syriac people. While a student of Kurdish origin was making a presentation in class, another student reacted, saying, “You are talking about Kurdish culture but we have martyrs dying in the mountains. What do you have to say about that?” and then adding, “There is no such language as Kurdish.” The student’s response led to a debate facilitated by the teacher, who urged tolerance and used the state’s TV channel broadcasting in Kurdish as an example. Shortly after this incident, the student who initiated the argument brought the issue to Internet forums; counter-terrorism police units were informed and began an investigation into the teacher. A criminal case has been opened against G.F. even though the government and the Ministry of Education sent a notice to schools five months after the incident, encouraging teachers to promote fraternity to prevent discrimination.

Source : Daily News and Economic Review, Turkish Press Scan, 29.03.2010 - from Habertürk (URL : http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=0329083154616-2010-03-29)