"Teacher Sent to Trial After Losing Student"... Nationwide Teachers Appeal for Support
"Prosecuted Despite All Measures Taken to Prevent Accident"
"Hoping for a Wise Judgment" Appeal
A teacher at an elementary school in the Gangwon region, who lost a student in a traffic accident during a field trip, has been prosecuted on charges of professional negligence resulting in death, while teachers nationwide are raising their voices by signing petitions.
As of the 25th, it has been reported that approximately 35,000 teachers and citizens nationwide have signed the petition both online and offline. Teachers' unions and organizations, including the Gangwon Teachers' Union, are reportedly taking action to support the teachers involved.
In November two years ago, a teenage student, A, was struck and killed by a bus in the parking lot of a theme park in Nohak-dong, Sokcho City. Student A had visited the theme park for a field trip and was hit by a moving bus. The prosecution has brought charges of professional negligence resulting in death against two teachers who were supervising the students at the time. The first trial is scheduled to be held at the Chuncheon District Court on the 19th of next month.
Mr. A, a principal of an elementary school in the province, requested a petition on behalf of the two supervising teachers, stating, "They were prosecuted because they failed to prevent the accident despite taking all necessary measures for student safety."
He added, "Although the school conducted various preparations, safety education, and contingency plans, it is tragic that one child was lost during the field trip," and said, "No words or expressions of consolation can replace the pain in the parents' hearts."
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He also appealed, "Even though it was an unforeseen accident, the teachers have not been able to escape the 'infinite responsibility as teachers,'" and said, "We hope for a wise judgment so that those who regard teaching as their vocation and treat students like their own children can find strength to stand before the children."
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