Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Announces Legislative Notice for Student Human Rights Ordinance Amendment... New Clause Allowing Student Discipline and Guidance Introduced

Legislation to Be Submitted to Seoul Metropolitan Council
New Provisions Including Ban on Disruption of Class Activities

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has announced a legislative proposal to amend the Student Human Rights Ordinance, which includes provisions for protecting teachers' educational activities. The amendment contains measures allowing for the discipline and admonition of students.

On the 22nd, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated that it will collect opinions on the proposed amendment through a legislative notice period until the 11th of next month. Afterward, following legal review, the bill will be submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Council.

This amendment was prepared to enhance the duties and responsibilities accompanying students' rights and to ensure that students respect not only their own rights but also the learning rights of other students and the educational activities of teachers.

In the amendment, Article 1 specifies provisions regarding the protection of students' human rights along with their responsibilities, and a new Article 4-2 (Students' Responsibilities and Duties) is to be established. This article includes prohibitions against infringing on the human rights of faculty members and other students, and limits students' rights to the extent that they do not infringe upon the freedom and rights of others.

Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is speaking at the first meeting of the four-party consultative body consisting of ruling and opposition parties, government, and metropolitan and provincial superintendents of education, held at the National Assembly on the 17th to support legislation for the restoration and protection of teachers' rights. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

It also requires compliance with school norms agreed upon by members of the school community and prohibits physical and verbal violence against other students and faculty members. The amendment includes respecting other students' learning rights, prohibiting interference with class activities, respecting and not disrupting legitimate educational activities (such as classes and student guidance), and banning possession of items that threaten the safety or learning rights of other students and faculty members, such as weapons, drugs, and obscene materials.

Additionally, a new Paragraph 5 is added to Article 25 (Rights in Disciplinary Procedures), stipulating that school principals and teachers may educate students through advice, counseling, caution, discipline, and admonition as necessary for legitimate educational activities, in accordance with laws and school regulations.