Female teacher protection plan slammed

Kim Dong-won, head of the Ministry of Education’s school policy office, speaks during a discussion at the Government Complex in Sejong, Tuesday, on measures to improve working conditions for teachers in remote areas, following a recent case of the rape of a female teacher. / Yonhap

Ministry criticized for shortsightedness on rape case

The government’s countermeasures following the recent rape of a female teacher on a remote island in the country’s southwest are drawing criticisms for being shortsighted.

A female teacher in her 20s was raped by three men, including fathers of two of her students, at a residence for teachers on Heuksan Island in Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, last month.

After the case was made public late last week, the Ministry of Education initially announced that it would refrain from posting young female teachers to remote areas ― a measure which immediately drew backlash.

“How can not sending women to so-called dangerous places be the answer to preventing such crimes against women? What the government is supposed to do is to make a safe environment for women and minorities in society,” said Yang Lee Hyun-kyung, the policy director of the Korean Women’s Association United, Tuesday.

Following criticism for its shortsightedness, the ministry backed off, saying it would focus on improving safety at teachers’ residences.

“Females account for close to 75 percent of the total number of teachers, so realistically we cannot refrain from sending them to remote areas,” said Kim Dong-won, head of the ministry’s school policy office, during a discussion with officials of regional education offices, Tuesday.

“We will create a safe environment for teachers in remote areas by drawing up a safety system through cooperation with local authorities and police,” he said.

The ministry plans to beef up security at teachers’ residences across the country, such as by installing surveillance cameras and emergency call buttons.

But teachers’ groups say government measures to improve safety should be more comprehensive.

“Crimes can occur anywhere, not just at teachers’ residences,” said Kim Dong-seok, spokesperson for The Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations. “The government should come up with a more comprehensive plan to create a safer environment for teachers.”

He said a measure is needed regarding socialization between teachers and parents outside schools, based on the fact that the victim and her attackers had been drinking at a restaurant owned by one of the offenders before the rape occurred.

“Korean culture is very tolerant of drinking gatherings. Especially in remote areas where a small number of residents live, there tend to be more such gatherings among teachers and parents, in the name of spending time to become better acquainted,” Kim said. “It is difficult for teachers to decline such offers by parents, but efforts need to be made to fix this practice.”

Kim said the government should set up guidelines for teachers in dealing with such cases.

“Currently, teachers are not taught about such matters,” he said. “The education ministry and education offices should ensure that this is included in training programs.”

Early on May 22, the three men allegedly raped the teacher who had been assigned to the island’s school in March. She had dinner at the restaurant and the men joined, offering her drink after drink of alcohol and getting her drunk.

One of them said he would take her to her residence and allegedly raped her. The others also visited the residence and sexually assaulted the teacher.

The teacher reported this to police and the three were arrested. She has been on sick leave since.