Last school year, ten incidents of violence against school inspectors were reported in Flanders, according to Flemish Education Minister, Zuhal Demir, in response to a query from Flemish MP, Manu Diericx.
Most reported incidents involved verbal aggression. "It is unacceptable that Education Inspectorate staff become targets of insults, threats, intimidation, or accusations. Such practices significantly impact the inspectorate’s functioning," said Diericx (N-VA)
Affected staff have access to support from internal prevention advisors and trusted personnel, Demir (N-VA) stated. Additionally, a training session on 'Dealing with Resistance and Aggression' was held this school year.
Diericx believes the parliament has a role to play. He suggested establishing a zero-tolerance policy for violence against school inspectors and considering the legal entrenchment of this policy. The inspectorate must operate independently, free from insults and aggression.
