Jung Geunsik: "Will Request Reconsideration of Student Human Rights Ordinance Repeal Through Due Process"

Council Passes Repeal Bill for the Second Time After Last Year
Superintendent Jung: "Political Logic Hurts Schools"

Jung Geunsik, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, expressed strong regret over the passage of the student human rights ordinance repeal bill once again at the plenary session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, stating, "I express strong regret over this decision," and added, "I will request a reconsideration through the appropriate procedures."

Superintendent Jung issued this statement on the afternoon of December 16, immediately after the ordinance was passed, saying, "The logic of politics is causing significant confusion and harm to schools," and conveyed his position accordingly.

Jung Geunsik, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, announced a statement opposing the passage of the student human rights ordinance repeal bill at the plenary session in front of the Seoul City Council on the 16th. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education

Previously, the Seoul Metropolitan Council also passed a repeal bill in the form of a member-proposed ordinance in April last year. However, three months later, the Supreme Court accepted the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's request for a stay of execution, putting the process on hold. Last month, the council's education committee once again put the repeal bill to a vote and passed it.

Superintendent Jung pointed out that the passage of the student human rights ordinance repeal bill "undermined the foundation of mutual respect and cooperation within the educational community" and described it as "an extreme decision that only reflects misunderstandings and prejudices about student rights."

He further stated, "Student rights and teachers' authority can fully coexist based on the principles of mutual respect and responsibility, and they are like the two wheels of a cart moving toward better public education. Framing them as opposing forces and justifying the repeal of the ordinance damages the very essence of education."

Superintendent Jung emphasized that protecting student rights is, in fact, protecting the rights of the entire educational community, and urged, "I call on the government and the National Assembly to take active measures, including enacting a Student Human Rights Act."