Schools in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt have barred pupils from undertaking work placements with the regional parliamentary group of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), triggering a row over political neutrality in education.

The restrictions apply to the annual “Girls’ and Boys’ Day” (also known as Zukunftstag), a nationwide initiative that allows students to gain short-term work experience in businesses, public institutions, and political offices.

State education minister Jan Riedel, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), backed the decision by school leaders, citing their legal duty to uphold constitutional values. In a video statement, Riedel said schools must educate pupils “to respect human dignity” and act responsibly toward those with differing views, in line with Germany’s Basic Law and the state constitution.

He argued that cooperation with the AfD was inappropriate, pointing to its classification by the domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, as a “confirmed right-wing extremist” organisation in parts of the country. Riedel also claimed the party’s programme contains “anti-democratic” and “dehumanising tendencies,” thanking schools for showing “backbone” in enforcing the ban.

The AfD rejected the move as politically motivated. Ulrich Siegmund, leader of the party’s parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt, said it was “hard to believe” that students were being prevented from undertaking placements with an elected legislative body.

He argued that a parliamentary group is a distinct legal entity separate from the party itself and noted that the group is not under surveillance by the intelligence services.

According to the AfD, more than 20 students had applied for placements with its parliamentary group this year.