Democratic Party to Push 'Haneul-i Act' as Party Policy... "Will Discuss to Prevent Educational Activity Contraction"

Members of the Democratic Party belonging to the National Assembly's Education Committee announced on the 16th that they will promote the 'Haneul Law,' named after Kim Haneul, a girl who died from a teacher's stabbing at an elementary school in Daejeon, as a party policy.

Baek Seung-ah, Chairperson of the Democratic Party's Special Education Committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office in the afternoon to discuss the 'Measures to Create Safe Schools and the Legislative Direction of the Haneul Law.'

Yonhap News

Rep. Baek stated, "To prevent such tragedies from happening again, it is necessary to supplement the insufficient institutional measures. Therefore, the Ministry of Education has announced measures including the legalization of the Teacher Health Review Committee through consultation with education superintendents, strengthening the legal binding force of discretionary leave, enhancing reinstatement verification, urgent intervention upon the manifestation of unusual symptoms, and periodic psychological examinations."

She added, "However, educators and experts in the field have expressed concerns about the currently discussed measures," emphasizing, "A social discussion is needed to find wise solutions."

Along with promoting the Haneul Law, she explained that efforts will be made to prevent any adverse effects such as discouraging teachers' educational activities or causing malicious complaints.

Rep. Baek expressed concern, saying, "There is a risk that teachers may hide their mental health crises and avoid treatment out of fear of stigma, which could worsen their condition. Additionally, the system could be abused by malicious complainants and administrators, leading to unjust emergency separations."

She continued, "Side effects and adverse outcomes, such as the suppression of teachers' passionate and dedicated educational activities, could further deteriorate teachers' mental health and pose greater risks in school settings," stressing, "The new system must be carefully discussed to ensure it does not cause side effects like treatment avoidance or an increase in malicious complaints."