Teachers at Oslo Cathedral School have been awarded the Fritt Ord Honnør prize for their courageous stance on teaching controversial topics, including racism, in the classroom.

Their op-ed in Aftenposten sparked a significant debate about the role of uncomfortable discussions in education.

The teachers were initially criticized for using texts containing the "n-word" in their lessons, which led to accusations of racism.

However, they argued that such texts are essential for preparing students for real-world challenges and fostering a democratic society.

The Fritt Ord Foundation recognized their efforts to promote free speech and critical thinking in education, awarding them 100,000 kroner.

This recognition highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between free expression and sensitivity in educational settings.