Education Minister Barbara Nowacka pushes for changes to religious lessons and the school reading canon
Education Minister Barbara Nowacka is advocating for major adjustments to school religious instruction and the reading canon. She argues that religious lessons should not be a formal subject in schools and proposes that Jarosław Marek Rymkiewicz, a prominent postwar poet, be reconsidered for inclusion in the canon. Nowacka spoke on Polsat News, emphasizing the need for neutrality in schools and describing the potential removal of Rymkiewicz’s poems as a step toward that goal.
Nowacka has stated that from September 1, 2025, she would prefer to retain only one religious lesson in schools, and that lesson should take place between classes rather than during formal class hours. She explained that the ministry intends to shape school work from the top down and cannot draw a line between students and their right to a single form of education or another. The minister also signaled a possible renegotiation of the concordat with the Vatican, including a move to abolish religious lessons in public schools altogether.
The minister suggested that believers could organize religious instruction in church spaces rather than in schools. This stance has sparked debate about how best to balance religious education with the state’s commitment to neutrality in public schooling. A related article notes that a large group of catechists could be affected by any changes in the system.
In a public discussion about the reading list, Nowacka described the removal of certain works as a recurring topic of contention. She described Jarosław Marek Rymkiewicz, a respected figure in Polish literature known for his role in promoting Romanticism and for his translations of Anglo American and Spanish poetry, as a figure whose inclusion might be re-evaluated in light of the new policy. Critics have pointed out that Rymkiewicz played a significant role in Polish literary life and has been recognized with awards such as the Nike Award and the Guardian of Memory Award in the creators category.
Nowacka’s comments regarding Rymkiewicz included a remark labeling him as a representative of a vague political bloc. When asked whether she regretted referring to him in those terms, the minister avoided a direct apology, asserting the right to offer personal critique. She also emphasized that she does not support politicizing the school environment and argued that neutrality should be preserved.
Her stance has drawn reactions from various political camps. Some critics argue that her approach risks undermining the perceived neutrality of the educational system, while supporters contend that school curricula should reflect contemporary values and political realities. The discussion has extended to broader concerns about the role of religion in public life and how educational content should be curated to serve diverse student populations.
Starting in September, the History and Present (HiT) curriculum for schools is expected to change as part of broader reforms. The new plan reportedly introduces two updated subjects, including citizenship education and health education, replacing some existing components. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely to see how these changes will align with broader goals for civic education and student well being. The broader debate touches on how best to teach history and culture in a pluralist society while maintaining educational neutrality across classrooms.
The discussion continues to unfold in political circles and in public media, with education policymakers, teachers, parents, and students weighing in on how to balance religious tradition, cultural heritage, and the democratic mandate for an inclusive, neutral public school system. The dialogue highlights ongoing questions about how curricula should reflect diverse viewpoints while avoiding the injection of partisan politics into classroom content. Commentary from various stakeholders underscores the tension between safeguarding neutrality and preserving freedom of conscience in education.
Source: Polsat News and coverage by media outlets reporting on education policy developments. The conversation reflects a broader national debate about the relationship between church and state in public education and the future direction of school curricula.