Uproar over Karol Nawrocki's declaration: "Bragging in stupidity" versus "No to depravity"

On Saturday, September 20, Karol Nawrocki announced that he and his wife had decided to withdraw their son Antoni from health education – a new subject introduced in Polish schools on September 1. The subject is offered on an optional basis, and the deadline for withdrawal is September 25.

"Under the innocent-sounding name of this subject, attempts are being made to smuggle ideology and politics into Polish schools, and this cannot be tolerated. School is, above all, a place of learning, but also a space for building respect for culture, tradition, and the Christian values ​​from which our civilization is built. First and foremost, we, the parents, have the right to make decisions regarding our children's education, and this is the moment when it's worth exercising that right," the president wrote on the X portal (formerly Twitter – ed.).

A new subject in Polish schools. Nowacka counters Nawrocki's comments.

Barbara Nowacka quickly responded to the president's words . "Before you sign off, veto, sign, or get outraged, it's really worth reading the documents! In this case, specifically, you should read the core curriculum for Health Education," wrote the Minister of Education.

"You should especially care about children's health and public trust in teachers who wisely and sensitively impart knowledge. And knowledge about addiction prevention, prevention, exercise, mental health, building relationships, and respect for others – all of which this subject is about – will be useful to everyone," added the head of the Ministry of National Education.

A series of comments following the Nawrocki decision: "Bragging in Stupidity" versus "No to Depravity"

The Nawrocki family's decision sparked a flurry of comments from politicians. "Bragging about stupidity. PiS style. Nothing to add, nothing to subtract," commented Tomasz Trela ​​of the Left.

"Health education is very important. Health begins with knowledge," wrote Monika Wielichowska, a member of parliament for the Civic Coalition. She also issued an invitation to a health education lesson at the Sejm on Monday, during which experts, doctors, and athletes will "provide a nutshell of knowledge on this topic." "The event will also be available online. I recommend it to all parents, especially those who haven't looked into the health education curriculum and are using fake news and lies," Wielichowska concluded.

Voices of support for the president also emerged. "NO to the depravation and sexualization of children!" commented Jadwiga Wiśniewska, a PiS MEP. "My wife and I also withdrew our daughter from so-called 'health education,' in accordance with the request of the woman herself," said Marcin Horała, a PiS MP.

Read also: Are Poles withdrawing their children from health education? This survey is a signal to the Ministry of National Education. Read also: Did the Ministry of National Education make a serious mistake? "A smear campaign by politicians and the Catholic Church."