Denmark’s prime minister wants to give school principals more power to expel violent students, but teachers, students, and school leaders warn that it will not fix the deeper problems in public schools.
School leaders push back against more power
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s new proposal to allow school principals to permanently expel students in grades 7 through 9 has received a chilly response from those working inside the education system. While the plan is intended to reduce violence and disruption, many school leaders argue that it does not address the root causes.
They believe such extreme cases of misbehavior are rare and that principals already have tools to handle them, such as suspending students for up to ten days. Giving them additional power might look like decisive action, but in practice, they say, it is more of a political signal than a real fix.
School leader associations and other education experts stress that all children in Denmark have a constitutional right to attend school. They argue that finding ways to prevent violence should come before considering expulsions.
Focus on victims, says the prime minister
In her comments to Danish media, Frederiksen explained that the proposal is about protecting victims of violence in schools and clarifying moral boundaries. She believes too much attention is given to the few students who constantly disrupt the classroom, while other children suffer because of it.
The plan would mean that students who attack classmates or insult teachers could be permanently removed from public school. It follows government concerns over reports of physical and verbal abuse in several schools. Recent data and debates, including those about public schools in Aarhus facing more violence, have sparked national attention on how much discipline has eroded over time.
Teachers want resources, not expulsions
Meanwhile, the Danish Union of Teachers sees the proposal as an overreaction. According to the union, discipline and respect in schools are clearly necessary, but expelling students will not improve the learning environment. They are calling for earlier intervention instead, such as extra teachers in classrooms and regular class teachers who build long-term relationships with students.
Without stronger support systems and more resources, they say, problems will only escalate. Many teachers link the growing tension to the country’s years-long struggle with failed inclusion policies and lack of funding.
The union also questions where expelled students would go, noting that Denmark does not currently have enough specialized programs to handle these high-risk cases. They argue that politicians should focus on creating such opportunities if the state wants to remove students from traditional schools.
Students demand a different approach
The national association of Danish Students has also voiced strong opposition, saying that the government should “throw out the idea, not the students.” They argue that fear-based reforms will not make schools safer or kinder, and that inclusion and better classroom support are the real solutions.
At the same time, experts at VIA University College say that although statistical data does not show a clear increase in school violence, the perception of it has grown. This perception has intensified public pressure on both teachers and the government to act.
Discussions about school reform are not new in Denmark, but they have become more heated as violence and behavioral problems dominate headlines. Historical changes in the education system, like those outlined in how Danish primary schools have evolved, show that reforms often take time before results appear.
Balancing order, fairness, and inclusion
For now, Frederiksen’s proposal remains just that—a proposal. Even if passed, it would likely be used only in very rare cases. Yet, it reflects a broader political debate about discipline, social norms, and how schools can stay inclusive while maintaining order.
School leaders insist that the long-term solution lies in prevention, not punishment. Building stronger communities in classrooms, ensuring teachers have support, and offering real alternatives for vulnerable children may be the only way to create lasting peace in Danish schools.
Sources and References
DR News: School leaders doubt Prime Minister’s proposal
DR News: Danish Students criticize expulsion proposal
The Danish Dream: Public schools in Aarhus face more violence
The Danish Dream: Danish primary school system – five big changes over time
