During a recent parliamentary session, Bulgaria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Galin Tsokov, firmly addressed concerns regarding potential LGBTQ+ propaganda being promoted in the country’s schools.
He reassured lawmakers and the public that no such activities are taking place within Bulgaria’s educational institutions.
Prof. Tsokov’s statement came in response to questions raised during the session about the presence of materials or discussions in schools that could be seen as promoting LGBTQ+ content.
The minister was clear in his response, stating, “There is no LGBTQ+ propaganda in our schools.” He went on to emphasize the primary mission of schools in Bulgaria, which is to provide children with a proper education, without any form of political or ideological influence.
Quality Education as a Safeguard
Minister Tsokov elaborated that the Ministry of Education and Science had developed a comprehensive framework to improve the quality of school education.
This framework, he explained, had been discussed and refined in collaboration with the branch council of the Ministry.
According to the minister, the focus of this framework is to enhance educational standards, ensuring that Bulgarian schools remain dedicated to their core mission: educating students.
He stressed that a strong education system is the best defense against any form of propaganda.
“Schools are meant to educate, not indoctrinate,” Tsokov declared, adding that quality education is crucial for students to develop critical thinking skills, helping them discern information and form their own opinions.
Teachers as Guardians of Ethical Conduct
Addressing concerns about teachers’ roles in promoting specific ideologies, Tsokov defended Bulgarian educators, describing them as highly professional and dedicated to their responsibilities.
“Our teachers are committed to the proper education and upbringing of students. They are not here to promote any kind of propaganda,” he stated.
He acknowledged that if any individual within the education system were to engage in such activities, they would face appropriate legal and ethical consequences.
Tsokov highlighted that there are already strict measures in place to ensure the integrity of Bulgaria’s education system.
“There is a code of ethics that every teacher is bound to follow,” he said, noting that the ministry would not hesitate to enforce consequences if someone were found to violate these standards.
In addition to the ethical guidelines, the minister mentioned that the laws governing pre-school and school education in Bulgaria would be adjusted if necessary to prevent any possible infiltration of inappropriate materials or teachings.
These laws, he explained, are designed to maintain the neutrality of education and to ensure that schools remain a place for unbiased learning.
Reassurances to Parents and the Public
Prof. Tsokov concluded his remarks by reassuring parents and the general public that the Bulgarian education system is built to support students’ intellectual growth, free from any form of indoctrination.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the learning environment, stating, “Our priority is the education and well-being of Bulgarian children. We will continue to uphold this responsibility.”
The session ended with a call for continued efforts to monitor and maintain the quality of education across the country, ensuring that Bulgarian schools remain places of academic and ethical integrity.