"I Won't Just Watch Unjust Deaths"... 120,000 Gather at the '10·28 Gyosa Rally'

Rally Resumes After 2 Weeks, Filling the Area in Front of the National Assembly
Urging Amendment of the 'Child Welfare Act' Toward the National Assembly
Demanding Investigation into Deceased Teacher and Recognition of Duty-Related Death

On the 28th, three months after the 'Seoi Elementary School Incident,' approximately 120,000 teachers gathered in front of the National Assembly to hold a rally, collectively demanding amendments to the Child Welfare Act, a thorough investigation into the deaths of teachers, and recognition of their deaths as work-related. They declared, "We will no longer stand by and watch unjust deaths," urging the National Assembly to revise the law.

The group of teachers, called the 'All National Teachers,' assembled in front of the National Assembly building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, holding a large-scale rally under the name '500,000 Teachers' General Uprising.' According to the organizers' estimates, about 120,000 teachers participated, filling the area around Uisadang-daero.

The participating teachers called for amendments to the Child Welfare Act. In particular, they demanded revision of Article 17-5 of the Child Welfare Act concerning 'emotional abuse' to fundamentally resolve the issue of declining teacher authority. A teacher involved in organizing the event explained, "Although the National Assembly passed the 'Four Teacher Rights Acts,' they do not provide countermeasures against teachers being sued or accused by parents. The biggest threat to teachers comes from the 'emotional abuse clause' in the Child Welfare Act and the Child Abuse Punishment Act." The teacher added, "Statistics show that even after the child protection measures announced last August, more than one teacher per day is still receiving child abuse reports. Since no concrete measures have been implemented by the government, we have yet to feel any changes in the classroom environment."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

They also demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of teachers and official recognition of their deaths as work-related. The organizers stated in a press release, "Over the past five years, more than 100 teachers have died by suicide, and the number is increasing every year. However, it is difficult to find cases where the exact cause has been identified. Recently, only 15% of applicants for work-related death recognition and 2% of actual recognized cases have been approved."

Additionally, they argued for the establishment of a systematic system to prevent damage caused by malicious complaints. They also called for the transfer of school violence investigations and handling to the police and the Ministry of Education. They explained the reason for the rally, saying, "Although we have already lost many colleagues, we will ensure that no more flowers are broken and will no longer stand by and watch unjust deaths."

An elementary school teacher who spoke at the podium said, "I was reported by a parent for child abuse, but the allegations included 'educational reprimands telling students to take care of their own textbooks' and 'following class rules by preventing students from bringing phones that ring during class.' I thought, 'Wouldn't it be better to just die and end it all?' but I will endure and survive to ensure that the time I spent lovingly guiding my students was not in vain."

Another elementary school teacher said, "I was recently sued for an incident that happened 10 years ago. Although the statute of limitations was seven years, it is suspended until the child reaches adulthood and resumes afterward." The teacher added, "This means being exposed to the risk of lawsuits for about 20 years. Reports of child abuse against teachers should be exempted or limited to the year the student was guided."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The rally was also attended by the 'Teachers' Bereaved Families Council,' composed of families of deceased teachers. One bereaved family member took the podium and said, "It was very heartbreaking but encouraging to see many teachers commemorating the 49th-day memorial of the Seoi Elementary School teacher, even at the risk of disciplinary action, each in their own way."

The teachers repeatedly chanted slogans such as "Amend the Child Welfare Act that encourages excessive lawsuits and accusations" and "Clearly distinguish between behavioral guidance and emotional abuse." They then performed a demonstration by writing their demands on a large banner and delivering it toward the National Assembly.