The Ministry of Education has moved to draw up measures for field trips that are disappearing.
The Ministry of Education on the 7th held a community roundtable on the theme of "safe and learning-centered field trips" at the TP Tower in Yeouido, Seoul. This followed President Lee Jae-myung's directive on the 30th to "review whether there are any unreasonable aspects in teachers' legal liability and areas of immunity."
At a previous Cabinet meeting, the president said, "These days, they say schools hardly go on picnics or field trips. Aren't picnics and field trips also part of class?" adding, "Isn't this taking good opportunities away from students to avoid taking responsibility?"
At the roundtable, about 40 people attended, including Minister Choi Kyo-jin of the Ministry of Education, education office officials, elementary and secondary school teachers, students, and parents. The Ministry of Education said teachers should not become targets of lawsuits over safety accidents that occur during educational activities.
The Ministry of Education said, "Responding to lawsuits is itself an enormous hardship for teachers," adding, "It can lead to a situation where it is difficult to focus on educational activities." It noted that related legal补 measures must come first and said it would provide maximum support so that, if a teacher is sued, there is no burden in mounting a legal defense.
Based on what was discussed, the Ministry of Education plans to draw up detailed "support measures for field trips."