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| A high school classroom in Seoul. Sexual misconduct by teachers is on the rise, data showed. / Yonhap |
By Chung Ah-young
Sexual misconduct by teachers is on the rise, data showed, Tuesday.
According to a report by the Ministry of Education, 35 teachers in elementary, middle and high schools nationwide have been disciplined for sexual misconduct in the first half of this year, meaning sexual harassment or molestation by a teacher takes place every five days.
The data comes at the same time a high school in Seoul is investigating four male teachers in their 50s who allegedly sexually molested and harassed more than 130 students and female teachers over a period of two years.
"The number of teachers with disciplinary records stood at 42 in 2011, 60 in 2012, 54 in 2013 and 40 in 2014," a ministry official said. "The figure surged in particular in the first six months of this year."
However, experts and civic groups say actual sexual misconduct cases at schools is much higher than the data shows because most abuse is not reported. Even when it is, offenders often end up with no heavy penalties.
Experts point out that it is hard for victims to challenge the school hierarchy because administrators, senior teachers and principals are, in many cases, men who have the authority to evaluate the victims.
In the latest sexual misconduct case at the Seoul high school, the victims were not only female students but also new and part-time female teachers.
The victimized teachers reported the misconduct to the school's principal in February but he did not take any action and allegedly tried to cover up the incidents.
The teachers being accused of sexual harassment and molestation are in managing positions such as the chief school affairs director.
The Parents Association for True Education pointed out that sexual misconduct is prevalent because of the hierarchical structure at schools.
"This incident reveals that schools remain patriarchal, undemocratic and unequal among school members," it said.
"Education authorities should protect students and female teachers from perpetrators that abuse their powers," it added.
The group said that not only students but also teachers should receive greater education about human rights.
The educational authorities have been under fire for failing to supervise adequately or take adequate measures concerning sexual abuse cases.
According to data, among the 240 teachers who perpetrated sexual assaults between 2009 and June of 2014, only 104, or 43.3 percent, were slapped with heavy penalties such as dismissal.
"Although they committed sexual misconduct, they retained their jobs at schools because most officials at educational authorities tend to tolerate other educators," the group said.
The ministry strengthened rules on disciplinary action against teachers and school employees who commit sexual offenses in April. It also made teachers at elementary, middle and high schools nationwide take lectures about sexual misconduct.
