Board of Trustees responds to KALANTZIS, who disparaged the Turkish Minority and ridiculed their demands
Issued on December 9, 2023, in Western Thrace, the statement from the Board of Trustees came in the wake of local media comments by Kalantzis, wherein he downplayed the Turkish minority and ridiculed their demands. The Board of Trustees, along with the Parent-Teacher Association, had previously sent an open letter to the President and Prime Minister, addressing the practices imposed on their school and students by the Xanthi Secondary Education Directorate.
In their statement titled "DISTORTION OF FACTS THROUGH PERCEPTION MANAGEMENT," the Xanthi Minority Middle School and High School Board of Trustees expressed the following:
"As the Board of Trustees of Xanthi Minority Middle School and High School, together with the administration of the Parent-Teacher Association, we observe that our efforts to rectify the practices imposed on our school and students by the İskeçe Secondary Education Directorate are regarded with disdain, belittlement, and even mockery by certain circles. This situation has become even more apparent following the publication of our open letter addressed to the President and Prime Minister, although most Greek media outlets chose not to cover it. Some media organizations and unauthorized individuals have provided their responses. Given the comments circulated in the press, especially in light of the interview with Mr. Kalantzis, the General Secretary of Religious Affairs, it has become imperative for us to issue this statement.
'Where is the goodwill in all of this?'
For a problem for which we are not responsible to be resolved, the Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the İskeçe Secondary Education Directorate and other relevant authorities in the region, knocked on doors, but unfortunately, there was no positive reception on our part. On the contrary, insistence on shift education was maintained throughout. Despite claims that the İskeçe Secondary Education Directorate suggested various solutions, the only proposal put forth by the directorate was for shift education, allowing the use of basement classrooms only in this scenario. Why were these classrooms considered safe for shift education but deemed hazardous only during morning sessions? Where is the goodwill in all of this?
'Authorities are fixating on this issue and distorting the matter.'
The persistent claim that the Board of Trustees lodged a complaint with EFA authorities specifically about the basement classrooms is false. The Board of Trustees, in general, addressed the building's issues to the EFA delegation, without specifically mentioning the basement classrooms. The use of basement classrooms is due to the existing capacity shortage in the building. The extent of the problem lies here. However, the authorities fixate on this issue and distort the matter. The press release made after the visit is still available on our official channels, and in that statement, there is no mention of the basement classrooms. Furthermore, while the use of basement classrooms in state schools is not prohibited, why is such a practice being implemented in our school? Why is the supposedly impartial majority press not addressing this issue?
'How many supported our just struggle?'
Following these developments, why is informing our Prime Minister and President and seeking their assistance criticized? Are we to blame for the problems faced by state schools in our city? How many, apart from a few exceptions, supported our just struggle?
'The efforts of our students and parents were criticized, and their demands were not taken seriously.'
Let us be clear; we support the struggles of the music school students facing building issues, and we hope their problems are resolved promptly. However, it must be noted that the absolute support given to them, especially through the press, was not extended to our students. On the contrary, the efforts of our students and parents were criticized, their demands were not taken seriously, and no serious steps were taken to address them. This attitude continues.
Now, let's look at Mr. Kalantzis's statements.
'Kalantzis is attempting to mislead the public.'
While claiming that our request was fulfilled by the İskeçe Secondary Education Directorate, Mr. Kalancis is attempting to mislead the public. Our demands were also conveyed in writing to the Ministry while he held the position of General Secretary. Additionally, he is undoubtedly aware of the discussions with the local authorities here and the agreement reached, and presumably, he knows better than us why that agreement was not adhered to.
'Minority children are being discriminated against.'
Mr. Kalancis emphasizes the excellent conduct of the İskeçe Secondary Education Directorate during the protest at İskeçe Minority Middle School and High School. This support indicates that the state is discriminating against minority children. While the Director of İskeçe Secondary Education preferred not to be present even in her office during our students' protest, she welcomed music school students as 'heroes,' highlighting clear discrimination, and it is evident that she did so with the knowledge and instruction of her superiors.
'Kalantzis, who creates perception, belittles the minority, and mocks their demands.'
Mr. Kalantzis, who creates perception, belittles the minority, and mocks their demands, states that the Board of Trustees did not fulfill its responsibilities regarding the permit. Then, we ask him: which of the deficiencies identified by the relevant committee has not been addressed? Why has the İskeçe Foundation Administration, which is under his authority (although it should be autonomous according to agreements), not yet responded to our letter on this matter? Or is the response to this letter being deliberately obstructed? Suppose a response has been given, the situation has been clarified, and all deficiencies have been addressed by all parties. In that case, will the problems of İskeçe Minority Middle School and High School be resolved? Is there such a determination?
Our expectation from all authorities is to stop creating a negative perception against us, to stop belittling us, and to address our just demands promptly. Democracy requires this.
Xanthi Minority Middle School and High School Board of Trustees"
