Re-evaluate Teachers’ Act
Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) reported to the Legislative Yuan recently. During his report, a lawmaker said that three years have passed since the Teachers’ Act (教師法) was amended. So far, 649 bullying cases have been reported, but only 35 were investigated. Moreover, among the teachers accused of bullying, only one was dismissed and will not be reappointed. The lawmaker asked Chen if the Teachers’ Act should be examined and re-evaluated for further revisions.
How long must the victims wait for justice? Many students would like to ask the same questions.
Chen said that he would hasten the discussion process and come up with methods for more revisions as soon as possible.
Only 35 cases were investigated out of 649. The proportion certainly compels one to ask whether the revisions are effective or not, and this shows that the Teachers’ Act should be reassessed and revised.
Of course, we should adhere to the principle of “in dubio pro reo,” which means that a defendant may not be convicted by the court when doubts about their guilt remain.
However, if all evidence is presented, the defendant must be penalized. Appeasing criminals results in more victims. The proportion should also prompt one to ask whether teachers are covering up their colleagues’ mistakes and closing ranks. Official agencies should consider conducting further investigations in this respect.
Good teachers should be applauded, but those who are unqualified to be teachers should be dismissed.
This should be done for the sake of students. Whether students are taught by a good or a bad teacher has the potential to greatly impact their lives.
Additionally, what teachers say to students can either encourage them to do better or damage their lives.
Worse still, students might kill themselves because of their teachers’ behavior and comments. It would be a tragedy for a student if a teacher who has harmed them keeps their job. It is my hope that the Teachers’ Act be revised as soon as possible.
A teacher who is no longer suitable for their position should leave the field of education. The longer a teacher stays at a school, the more difficult it is for their victims to recover from inflicted harm. When students get hurt, the damage is usually deep and tremendous. We should never treat bullying cases lightly.
Hsu Chia-hsin
Taipei
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