Verbal Abuse Toward Students Who Did Not Answer Questions in Class
Students Show Solidarity by Posting Notes on the Protest Poster
School Immediately Calls in the Teacher for Investigation
A high school teacher in Jeju sparked controversy by telling students who did not answer questions during class, "It's because the 4·3 gene is flowing."
According to Jeju JIBS, on the morning of the 11th, a large poster titled "What is the 4·3 gene?" was posted on the wall of the student council room and near an outdoor sculpture at the school, under the name of the third-year students.
According to the poster, on the 4th, during a class at a girls' high school in Jeju City, a teacher said to students who did not answer questions, "It's because the 4·3 gene is flowing." This was the day right after the 77th anniversary of the 4·3 Memorial Day.
The students stated on the poster, "We have received a lot of education to remember April 3rd, which must not be forgotten," and added, "However, something unbelievable happened in the educational setting." They continued, "The teacher uttered the phrase 'It's because the 4·3 gene is flowing' just because we did not answer during class," and criticized, "How is this statement any different from the stance decades ago that labeled victims as 'rioters' and 'communists'?"
They raised their voices, saying, "Is it really appropriate for an educator to personally mention Jeju's history, where about one-third of Jeju residents were massacred and the truth was not revealed for a long time, forcing even survivors to hide their pain?" The poster pointed out, "We demand the school to correct this distorted historical awareness in line with the school's educational goals and to take action and for the teacher to reflect."
Students have shown support by attaching notes to the poster with messages such as "Distorted historical awareness, regional hate speech," "Apologize to us," and "We demand appropriate disciplinary action from the school."
The school is reportedly investigating the teacher immediately. The education office has sent supervisors and education officers to the school to accurately assess the situation.
An education office official stated, "Based on the situation we have identified, we will strongly request measures regarding the demands of teachers and students," adding, "If the school's actions are deemed inappropriate, we may demand further measures." The official explained, "Although the education office does not have disciplinary authority over private school teachers, it has supervisory authority under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Private School Act, so we will ensure swift action."
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