"Towards Schools Free from Sexual Harassment and Violence, and an Educational Environment that Respects Teachers' Rights"

Uiseong Office of Education Holds Training for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Response Officers
Teacher Sexual Harassment by Students Also Addressed as a Key Topic
Exploring On-Site Measures to Protect Teachers' Rights

Uiseong Office of Education in North Gyeongsang Province announced on the 25th that it had conducted a training session aimed at strengthening prevention and rapid response capabilities regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents in schools.

Uiseong Office of Education is addressing teacher sexual harassment by students as a key topic in training sessions for personnel handling sexual harassment and sexual violence cases, seeking measures to protect teachers' rights in the field.

The training took place in the main conference room of the Uiseong Office of Education, with around 40 participants including sexual grievance counselors and teachers responsible for handling sexual harassment and sexual violence at elementary, middle, and high schools in the district, as well as officials from the Office of Education.

In particular, this training went beyond simple prevention education. It featured practical, field-oriented content such as case-based response strategies, procedures for protecting victimized teachers, and measures for addressing infringements on teachers' rights, receiving positive feedback from attendees.

Lee Dongho, vice principal of Uiseongnamboo Elementary School and the session's lecturer, emphasized, "Sexual harassment and sexual violence cases are not just individual misconduct but represent a crisis for the organization as a whole," adding, "In particular, when the perpetrator is a superior or administrator, immediate reporting and action must be taken in accordance with a zero-tolerance policy."

The training also included in-depth discussion of the issue of teacher sexual harassment by students. Amid a rise in inappropriate behavior and remarks by students as a form of infringement on teachers' rights, the session shared the role of the Teachers' Rights Protection Committee and proactive response measures that can be taken at schools.

One participating teacher commented, "It is regrettable that teachers are not adequately protected in schools, which should be the safest environment for them," and stressed, "There is an urgent need for a rapid response system and counseling support for victimized teachers."

Lee Woosik, superintendent of education, stated, "Recently, sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents have been occurring more frequently within the teaching community, and both the severity and frequency are increasing. Therefore, it is crucial to have a more sophisticated prevention system and thorough follow-up management," adding, "Uiseong Office of Education will continue to support the creation of a healthy school culture where all members of the education community are respected and protected."

This training was part of efforts to establish a virtuous cycle of prevention, rapid response, and teacher protection based on a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and sexual violence. The Office plans to expand customized training sessions for teachers in the future.