Das Kolleg St. Thomas in Vechta/Füchtel 1947-1990

Expected date of publication: May 2023
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In the St. Thomas College of the Dominicans in Füchtel, there have been cases of criminally relevant physical and sexual violence against pupils during the period under investigation, from 1947 to 1970; psychological violence has generally not been a criminal offence to this day. Traces are found marginally or not at all in the contemporary records of the order, but almost exclusively in the memories of former pupils. No police investigations have been initiated in any case. Thus there were no criminal proceedings and no legally binding convictions.
Former students look back on their life at the college with feelings as varied as sadness and anger - 'I look back in anger' - and ambivalent feelings - 'The time was not nice, but it was good for me'. Particularly with regard to the early post-war period, the impression of great gratitude for the opportunity to complete the Abitur in Füchtel after the chaos of war predominates - 'Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude for 59 years!' - as well as pride, especially in the last decade of the study period - 'Once a Thomaner - always a Thomaner'. Overall, ambivalent to positive memories of life and learning at the College of St Thomas dominate the almost 200 reports received - even though these cannot have any statistical relevance and every experience of a former pupil, some of which are still traumatising today, was and is one negative experience too many.

Maria Anna Zumholz, Dr. phil. habil., private lecturer in modern history at the University of Vechta, has a basic degree in psychology, a teaching degree and several years of experience in practical teaching work as well as training emphases in sociology and Catholic theology. Her habilitation thesis deals with regional gender- and denomination-specific historical educational research.