Rainbow dispute at the school inauguration in Cologne: Parents protest!

Rainbow dispute at the school inauguration in Cologne: Parents protest!

The inauguration of the new educational campus in Cologne-Kalk will be celebrated on July 8, 2025 - but not without serious controversy. The point of contention: the use of rainbow symbols that stand for the LGBTQIA+ movement and represent diversity in our society. The rumor that the church had given instructions to forego these symbols is causing discontent among parents and students. However, the church itself has vehemently denied that such a requirement exists. How WDR reports, the archdiocese emphasizes that no one should be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In particular, Dorothea Bujotzek, chairwoman of the school board, has spoken about rumors regarding a ban on rainbow symbols. During the celebration, many parents and children showed their support by wearing rainbow items such as t-shirts, buttons and bags. But despite this colorful demonstration, community representative Marianne Arndt felt expelled from the site by a security guard after distributing rainbow stickers. Pastor Franz Meurer comments on this incident and describes the situation as a misunderstanding that should be used to improve communication and promote diversity.

Discontent in the school community

The reactions to the inauguration of the new educational campus show that dealing with the rainbow symbol in the school community can cause its own storm. School management was reportedly pressured to avoid the rainbow symbol. World highlights that two students were even asked to take off their rainbow stickers because this was not in the cardinal's spirit. Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki appeared uninformed about the incidents and regretted the impression that not everyone was welcome on the educational campus.

The meaning of the rainbow symbol, used in parades such as Christopher Street Day for almost five decades, is not just a colorful flag, but represents equality and the right to diversity. Geo describes the colors of the flag – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple – which represent different positive values. An expanded version, the “Progressive pride flag,” even integrates additional colors to include marginalized groups such as trans* people and the Afro-diaspora.

A step towards dialogue

In the current situation, Pastor Meurer sees an opportunity to promote a dialogue about diversity. “The misunderstanding needs to be clarified,” he says and hopes for a common understanding that will ensure an open and welcoming atmosphere on the educational campus in the future. The parents' protest shows that the topic has not lost its topicality and importance. Especially in times when diversity and acceptance urgently need changes, it becomes clear that every window that opens for communication also offers an opportunity to break down prejudices and establish respectful cooperation.

Further reporting on this explosive topic will take place on July 8, 2025 in the local time from Cologne at 7:30 p.m.