{"id":2205047,"date":"2024-05-09T18:08:53","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T09:08:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2205047"},"modified":"2024-05-10T21:29:32","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T12:29:32","slug":"seouls-repeal-of-student-rights-ordinance-sparks-debate-over-balance-of-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/05\/seouls-repeal-of-student-rights-ordinance-sparks-debate-over-balance-of-power\/","title":{"rendered":"Seoul\u2019s repeal of student rights ordinance sparks debate over balance of power"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Seoul Metropolitan Council\u2019s decision to <\/span>repeal<\/span><\/a> the <\/span>Seoul Student Human Rights Ordinance<\/span><\/a> has reignited debate over the balance between student rights and educators\u2019 authority. Additionally, the repeal risks weakening student rights and reversing progress in recognizing and protecting students\u2019 fundamental human rights.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n However, critics argue that the ordinance weakened teachers\u2019 authority and infringed on other students\u2019 rights to education by overemphasizing individual student rights. The repeal has sparked discussions on the appropriate extent of student rights, the role of educators and potential legislative adjustments needed to address the evolving nature of student-teacher dynamics.<\/span><\/p>\n RISE AND FALL<\/b><\/p>\n Gyeonggi Province<\/span><\/a> first enacted the Student Human Rights Ordinance in 2010. <\/span>Gwangju<\/span><\/a> followed in 2011 and <\/span>Seoul<\/span><\/a> in 2012. However, in some instances, such as in South Gyeongsang Province, the enactment failed due to opposition from religious groups and conservative parent organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n The Constitutional Court <\/span>ruled<\/span><\/a> in 2019 that the ordinance aligned with the ROK Constitution, making it applicable nationwide. Despite this ruling, the South Chungcheong Provincial Assembly repealed its provincial student rights ordinance in Dec. 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n All affirmative votes <\/span>came<\/span><\/a> from the province\u2019s People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers, who have historically opposed the ordinance, claiming it promotes homosexuality, infringes upon students\u2019 learning rights and potentially harms students.<\/span><\/p>\n The Seoul Metropolitan Council <\/span>followed suit<\/span><\/a> on April 26. The city\u2019s council chairman had proposed the bill the previous month in response to a petition from the Seoul Metropolitan Student Rights Ordinance Abolition Citizens\u2019 Alliance, a coalition of religious and parent groups.<\/span><\/p>\n All of the council\u2019s <\/span>PPP members voted in favor<\/span><\/a> of the motion, while Democratic Party of Korea members who opposed it abstained from voting. This marked the second instance of the ordinance being repealed 12 years after its enactment.<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, Gwangju City Council <\/span>stated<\/span><\/a> that it received a petition signed by more than 10,000 people <\/span>calling<\/span><\/a> for the abolition of the city\u2019s student rights ordinance.<\/span><\/p>\n