40% of teachers convicted of sexual violence still in classroom: data

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Sat, September 30, 2023 | 15:08

Education

40% of teachers convicted of sexual violence still in classroom: data

Posted : 2019-02-07 15:41

Updated : 2019-02-07 15:41

By Park Si-soo

Four in 10 teachers convicted of sexual violence are still in the classroom, government data showed on Thursday.

The education ministry revealed this at the request of the Kyunghyang newspaper.

According to the data, nearly 600 teachers were found guilty of sexual violence, including cases targeting students, between January 2013 and September 2018, but school discipline on 41.8 percent didn't reach the threshold for their removal from the classroom.

Those retaining classroom jobs were convicted of a "minor sexual misconduct," subjecting them to a temporary salary cut or a verbal reprimand under the ministry's disciplinary rules. Those convicted of a "serious violation" are subject to dismissal, demotion or license suspension.

The ministry is planning to toughen the rules.