Civic organizations vow to fight gender discrimination

By You Soo-sun

Civic organizations vowed to take legal action on behalf of a teacher who was verbally attacked after advocating for feminism in the school setting. They held a press conference in Gwanghwamun Square, Thursday.

The network, Organizations Supporting Feminism Education and Teachers, was formed by civic organizations who intend to promote gender equality in schools after the incident. Twenty-two civic organizations including the Center for Military Human Rights Korea, Korea Women’s Hot Line, Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union participated in the press conference.

“An elementary school teacher has for over a month been hurt by personal attacks and defamatory remarks. We are legally preparing on behalf of the victimized teacher,” the network said a press statement.

In an interview in July, the teacher spoke on the topic of “Three reasons we need feminism in school” after which her identity was revealed to the public. She was verbally attacked online and in the media and is now on sick leave.

The members criticized online commenters, organizations and media outlets that “deliberately distorted or exaggerated her comments.” They will seek financial compensation from these organizations and media outlets and file criminal lawsuits against online commenters.

Although the teacher merely introduced the queer festival here, which is legal, and spoke about an anti-discrimination act and respecting human rights, they argued, she was wrongfully described as a teacher who hates men and encourages homosexuality.

“Similar things are happening not just in Seoul but also Gyeonggi Province and Daegu,” they said. “We can no longer overlook the hateful forces that go against human rights and gender equality. We will act strongly against media reports that continue to engage in hateful, slanderous and defamatory actions.”