70,000 Teachers Rally Nationwide, Seeking Immunity from Child Abuse Claims
A nationwide rally is set to take place next month, as some 70,000 teachers plan to participate in a large-scale protest demanding immunity from child abuse claims. Despite facing warnings of disciplinary action from the government, these educators are determined to make their voices heard.
Under the banner of a day to pause public education, teachers will stage the rally on September 4th, calling for parliament to pass a bill that would grant them immunity from child abuse allegations. To ensure maximum impact, teachers will either take a day off or use their sick leave to walk out of schools.
Current legislation prohibits teachers, who are considered public servants, from engaging in collective action or strikes. Therefore, taking time off or using sick leave is the only legal means for public school teachers to attend a protest.
Aside from seeking immunity, the rally also aims to honor the memory of a young elementary school teacher who tragically passed away in Seoul in July. The date of September 4th holds significance, as it marks 49 days since the teacher’s passing. According to Buddhist beliefs, this signifies the departure of the deceased’s spirit from the human world.
However, the Ministry of Education has denounced the teachers’ collective action, declaring it an illegal strike. The ministry has issued a stern warning to teachers and school principals that they could face severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal and even criminal charges. It further suggested that commemorating the late teacher’s death could be done virtually or after school hours, emphasizing its intent to respond strictly against any form of collective action.
Notwithstanding the government’s stance, a recent survey conducted by Indischool, an online community for teachers, revealed that more than 70,000 education staff members, including teachers, headmasters, and vice principals, have expressed their intention to participate in the rally. Reports indicate that approximately 450 schools have decided to temporarily close on September 4th in support of the collective action.
Education Minister Lee Ju-ho has expressed concern that such gatherings could infringe upon students’ right to learn. While acknowledging the need for empathy towards the teacher’s death, Minister Lee discouraged teachers from going on strike, cautioning against potential misinterpretation of their actions as political in nature.
In response to Lee’s remarks, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union announced their intention to file a complaint against the education minister, accusing him of abusing his authority by issuing disciplinary warnings against teachers. Meanwhile, Cho Hee-yeon, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, has welcomed the teachers’ decision to strike, encouraging schools in Seoul to find their own ways to honor the late teacher’s memory.
As the September 4th rally approaches, the voices of tens of thousands of teachers across the nation continue to grow louder in their demands for immunity and recognition. It remains to be seen how the government will navigate this situation while delicately balancing the rights of educators and students alike.
