Since November 2023, there has been a process in the Krakow territory Court that has generated large excitement in the public opinion. The Mieszankowski household sued the author of the textbook "History and Present" (HiT), prof. Wojciech Roszkowski, and the release of the White Raven. The case concerns a fragment of a textbook that, according to the reasons, violates their individual welfare, suggesting a deficiency of love for children conceived in vitro.
This process, although legally related to circumstantial individuals and publishing houses, has acquired a social dimension, sparking a debate on ethics in education and the limits of freedom of expression. Moreover, the fresh decision to dismiss justice Waldemar Żurek added a substance of extra color. The article examines the background and consequences of this controversy.
Why was justice Żurek removed from the case?
The decision to exclude justice Waldemar Żurek was made at the request of the defence, which pointed to a conflict of interest resulting from an earlier court dispute between Żurek and the defendant's attorney, Artur Wdowczyk. The defence argued that this could affect the impartiality of the judge, and the court agreed to this position.
It is worth noting that earlier attempts to dismiss justice Żurek, motivated by his social and political activity, were unsuccessful. This time, however, the defence arguments were considered convincing enough. Magdalena Sojka was appointed as the referee for another hearing, scheduled for May 20.
Content of the dispute: What is controversial?
Mieszczanowski demands public apology and financial compensation. In their opinion, 1 part of the textbook suggests that children conceived in vitro may be deprived of love from their parents. In turn, the defence argues that this passage does not straight mention to the in vitro method or to the household of reasons, which, according to them, makes the suit unfounded.
However, the White Raven publishing home removed a controversial passage from subsequent textbook editions, which may propose that it was problematic.
Social and legal context
The case of the HiT Handbook is not limited to legal issues. It is simply a symbol of a broader debate on the limits of freedom of expression in education and work for the word written in the context of school textbooks. This is besides another example of world-view disputes, which are increasingly taking place on the ballot.
An interesting subject is besides the conclusion by Mieszczankowski of an agreement with the Ministry of Education on another suit related to the HiT textbook. This shows that the substance has many aspects and contexts, which makes it highly complex.
The importance for the future of education
The resolution will have far-reaching consequences. It can affect the standards of creating textbooks and setting boundaries in which authors can address controversial topics. Moreover, this process can contribute to further social polarisation, but besides open up space for a more constructive debate on ethics in education.
Was the decision to dismiss justice Zurk right? Is the controversial passage of the manual actually violating the individual property of Mieszczankowski? The answers to these questions will substance not only to the parties to the dispute, but besides to the full education strategy in Poland.
Read more:
Judge Żurek removed from the HiT textbook case
