Sándor Imre, on the necessity of eliminating party- and denominational bias from public service work, and on the autonomy of universities in 1924

Abstract

Sándor Imre (October 13, 1877 - February 11, 1945), who is known in Hungarian cultural and educational history as the father of "national education theory", as the professor of Pedagogy and director of Pedagogy at Dunamelléki Diocese of the Calvinist church for two decades was one of the few scientific experts possessing broad, general views on cultural policy. For a short period of his life between 1918-1924, he was assistant state secretary then deputy minister and finally administrative state secretary of the Ministry of Religion and Culture. This way he could experience from up close how political-economical-societal realities can reduce and significantly limit ideas for broad reforms, even for those in the highest positions to promote them. The aim of this study is to remember Sándor István, who was an excellent professional, on his 75th death anniversary by sharing and publishing the circumstances of the creation of his letter written on May 22, 1924. This letter was written to István Bethlen, who was the prime minister at the time, on the occasion of Sándor Imre’s dismissal from public service. The letter, which conveys Sándor Imre’s views on some of the evergreen questions of public life, meant/caused the end of his short career as a professional in educational politics.