The Polish government is moving to enact a law that would grant authorities greater power over how public schools discipline students, including penalties that could be interpreted as punitive measures or deterring misbehavior. The proposal, titled the rehabilitation law for minors, was approved about a month ago in a single-party session and has since undergone review by the Parliamentary Commission on Justice and Human Rights, according to Polish media reports. The draft spans roughly 900 pages and outlines criteria for what might be considered abusive or demotivating treatment of students, effectively entrusting school principals with the final say on disciplinary actions.
Potential penalties described in the text include tasks such as cleaning hallways or scrubbing terraces under supervision, with the supervising agent ensuring the minor remains within the school environment until an appropriate corrective placement is arranged. Critics argue that these provisions blur the lines between education and punishment and could lead to coercive practices in handling student behavior.
Avoid juvenile courts
In the draft authored by the Minister of Justice, Zbigniew Ziobro, the government contends that the law would prevent a large number of cases from reaching Child and Family Courts. It is framed as a move toward social rehabilitation measures that align with the level of misconduct observed in minors, rather than resorting to formal judicial processes. The language suggests a preference for swift, community-based remediation rather than courtroom intervention.
As Deputy Minister of Justice Michał Woś recently stated in Parliament, the approach does not always require police or judiciary involvement. This stance has drawn objections from various student associations and educational groups who argue that the framework could empower school directors to act without sufficient legal safeguards.
Łukasz Korzeniowski, president of the Polish Student Declaration Association, voiced concerns in a Tuesday interview with a national newspaper. He warned that directors, who are not trained jurists, may lack the necessary skills to administer justice fairly within the school setting. Environmental concerns about due process and proportionality have been raised by advocates for student rights.
The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights expressed caution about the potential for abuse, noting that the law could permit school leaders to humiliate students or compel them into roles such as cleaning staff as a means of enforcing discipline. Such scenarios threaten to undermine trust in schools and raise questions about the boundaries between pedagogical authority and punitive coercion.
Sorry in public
The measure also requires minors found guilty of misconduct to publicly apologize to the affected party, undertake corrective actions, and submit to parental supervision that ensures adherence to these conditions. Supporters argue that transparency and accountability in punishment can help repair harm and prevent repeat offenses, while opponents worry about shaming and the long-term impact on a young person’s development.
Recent national statistics indicate a rise in families seeking alternative educational options. In Warsaw, for example, private school enrollment has grown significantly over the past five years, reflecting concerns about the mainstream system and a desire for more customized approaches to learning and behavior management.
Przemysław Czarnek, who has held the post of Minister of Education since 2020, has proposed allowing education inspectors elected by the government to hire and fire teachers and to restrict civil society groups from engaging in activities designed to shield children from perceived moral decline within schools. Critics warn that such powers could curb necessary oversight and the involvement of independent voices in safeguarding student welfare.
The law’s progress has also faced a temporary pause from the office of the Polish president, who retains the authority to sign and enforce it at any time. The unfolding debate reflects a broader tension between discipline, safeguarding student rights, and the role of state institutions in shaping classroom life.