Petition Planned Against Int’l Schools
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
Progressive teachers and parents groups will file a petition with the Constitutional Court against the establishment of international schools in Seoul.
The Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union (KTU) and the National Association of Parents for True Education released a statement Thursday claiming Seoul's plans for international middle schools infringe upon the people's right to receive equality in education.
``Seoul's education authorities are unilaterally pushing ahead with international school plans without listening to parents. The establishment of international middle schools needs more in-depth discussions with teachers and parents,'' the groups said in the statement.
The progressive groups will recruit plaintiffs until Sep. 29 and anyone who pays more than 1,000 won can participate in the petition. They will submit the petition immediately after Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education makes a final decision on the international schools. Lawyers for Democratic Society will manage the case.
The education office has allowed Younghoon Middle School and Daewon Middle School to transform themselves into international schools next March. The two schools in northern Seoul will each enroll 160 students.
Meanwhile, parents residing near the schools have started a campaign against the plan as well.
``If Daewon and Younghoon transform into specialized schools, we will have to send our children to schools far from home. However, the education authorities don't care about this problem,'' said Kim Eun-sun, one of the protesters.