The Seoul Metropolitan Council’s decision to repeal the Seoul Student Human Rights Ordinance has reignited debate over the balance between student rights and educators’ authority. Additionally, the repeal risks weakening student rights and reversing progress in recognizing and protecting students’ fundamental human rights.

The ordinance, introduced a decade ago to prevent discrimination based on factors such as academic performance, enhanced student rights by protecting against discrimination and violence and promoting the right to an education tailored to individual abilities.