Gwangju Education Groups: "Special Provisions in Administrative Integration Act Will Worsen Regional Educational Disparities"

"Provisions That Strengthen Privileged Education Must Be Removed Immediately"

The Gwangju Education Civic Coalition is holding a press conference in front of Dong-gu Office on the afternoon of the 19th. Photo by Min Chanki

Civil society organizations in Gwangju's education sector have expressed concerns that special provisions regarding autonomous schools, gifted schools, and special-purpose high schools included in the Gwangju-Jeonnam Administrative Integration Special Act could exacerbate educational disparities between regions.

The Gwangju Education Civic Coalition held a press conference in front of Dong-gu Office on the afternoon of the 19th, stating, "The special provisions of the special bill for the establishment of Gwangju-Jeonnam Special City allow the special city superintendent of education to directly establish various types of schools, such as autonomous schools, gifted schools, special-purpose high schools, and foreign educational institutions." They added, "Abusing these special provisions for the establishment of educational institutions undermines the legal system and can destroy the consistency of educational policy."

They pointed out, "Gwangju and Jeonnam have different educational environments. After integration, under a single education office system, policies centered on urban areas will be strengthened, and relatively vulnerable rural and fishing communities are at high risk of being excluded or marginalized from support. Urban schools may become overcrowded, while rural schools could be consolidated or closed at an even faster rate."

They also criticized, "There was no discussion with parents or students during this integration process. In Gwangju, public opinion was only gathered through several uncoordinated forums. No stakeholders or expert panels from the education sector were included. This approach clearly disregards democratic procedures."

Furthermore, they condemned the public hearing on the special bill being pushed through without sufficient discussion with educational stakeholders, and demanded, "Immediately remove the provisions that strengthen privileged education."