Protecting Political Neutrality in Public Education
Strong Response Urged to Prevent Historical Distortion
Sejong City councilors affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea are adopting a resolution and taking photos. / Photo by Public Relations Team
On June 23, during the 98th regular session's second plenary meeting, the Sejong City Council adopted a resolution titled "Resolution Calling for the Expulsion of Reboxchool-Affiliated Instructors and a Thorough Investigation to Restore Trust in Public Education," which was proposed by Democratic Party of Korea councilor Lee Hyunjung.
The resolution strongly urges the government to take immediate and thorough action in response to the controversy over the involvement of private educational organizations in public education, which undermines political neutrality and fairness.
On this day, only councilors affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea called for a thorough investigation, while councilors from the People Power Party did not participate.
Councilor Lee explained the background of the proposal, stating, "It has been confirmed that some instructors participating in the Neulbom School program are affiliated with the private educational organization Reboxchool, which has produced content that glorifies pro-Japanese and dictatorial regimes and unilaterally instills certain political ideologies. This has led to strong criticism not only from parents and teachers' associations but also from civil society as a whole."
She further criticized, "Neulbom School is an expansion model of public education led by the state, introduced to guarantee children's right to learn and to strengthen care functions. However, it is a very serious problem that politically biased instructors have entered classrooms. Classrooms for children must not become experimental grounds for specific ideologies."
She also expressed deep regret, stating, "The Ministry of Education has repeatedly stated 'no violations found' as the result of joint inspections of schools at the center of the controversy and has not provided any clear explanation or follow-up measures regarding the controversial agreement with Seoul National University of Education."
The city council holds the position that the government should not downplay or cover up the issue but should instead face public concerns and review the entire system.
They strongly called for: a comprehensive investigation into the participation of instructors from Reboxchool and related organizations in Neulbom School, and the immediate expulsion of unqualified instructors; the government to take responsibility for education policies implemented without proper verification and to fulfill its duty to restore trust in public education; and the establishment of legislative measures to secure political neutrality and fairness in education to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The "Resolution Calling for the Expulsion of Reboxchool-Affiliated Instructors and a Thorough Investigation to Restore Trust in Public Education" will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education, and other relevant officials.
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