A teacher in the Pinzgau region of Austria is set to face trial at the Salzburg labor court after allegedly using the password “Heil Hitler 88” on his computer, which became visible to students while the device was starting up. The court will determine whether the teacher’s dismissal was justified.
The Salzburg education authority has confirmed the incident, which occurred at a federal school in Pinzgau, but provided no further details. Authorities say disciplinary action was taken immediately.
The teacher is now legally contesting the dismissal. The case is scheduled for a hearing on January 23 at the Salzburg Labor and Social Court. Due to privacy concerns, court officials have withheld further information. The Republic of Austria, as the employer, is represented by the country’s Financial Procurator.
In Austrian schools, there is zero tolerance for any behavior linked to National Socialist ideology. Authorities consider the password in question to fall into this category. The number 88 is widely recognized as code for “HH” — “Heil Hitler” — with “H” being the eighth letter of the alphabet. Since 2016, the number 88 has been banned from appearing on Austrian license plates.
