Chungnam Education Superintendent Kim Ji-cheol: "We Will Ensure the Euljil Ordinance Does Not Become Controversial"

Response to Provincial Assembly Member An Jang-heon's Inquiry

Regarding the recently controversial ordinance proposal by the Chungnam Office of Education aimed at preventing 'euljil', Superintendent Kim Ji-cheol stated, "We will handle it well to avoid controversy."

On the 20th, during the 3rd plenary session of the 352nd regular meeting, Superintendent Kim responded this way to a question from Assemblyman An Jang-heon (Democratic Party, Asan 5) about the 'Ordinance on the Prevention of Gapjil, Euljil, and Workplace Harassment in the Chungnam Office of Education.'

The ordinance, recently proposed by Assemblyman Pyeon Sam-beom (People Power Party, Boryeong 2), was prepared to prevent gapjil, euljil, and workplace harassment occurring in educational settings and to protect victims. It also includes provisions to establish and operate a reporting center to eradicate such abuses.

While the enactment of an ordinance to prevent workplace harassment is necessary, concerns were raised that the concept and definition of euljil are unclear, which could intimidate school staff.

Despite these concerns, the original bill passed the Education Committee, but due to opposition from teachers' organizations, Assemblyman Pyeon decided not to submit the ordinance to the plenary session.

Assemblyman An said, "This issue seems to have arisen due to the lack of smooth discussion and democratic consensus procedures among school members," and requested, "Please consider a school autonomy ordinance as an alternative, where important decisions are made through mutual discussion and consultation."

In response, Superintendent Kim said, "We will thoroughly review the school autonomy ordinance as well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.