The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) found that a practice of repeatedly having students chant a slogan or give a hand salute imbued with religious meaning during school events violates students' basic rights.
On the 12th, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a private middle school had all students stand during events and, led by representative students, give a hand salute along with the slogan "Gyeongcheon." The same act was repeated when awarding certificates of merit or letters of appointment. A graduate of this school filed a petition with the NHRC in Oct. last year, saying the continuation of this practice infringes on students' human rights.
The private middle school told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that it was merely part of education to practice the spirit of the school precept, "Gyeongcheon, aeguk, aein" ("respect heaven, love the nation, love others"), and did not carry religious meaning. It also said students could participate freely because there were no disadvantages such as demerit points or discipline even if they did not join the chanting or hand salute.
The school said, "After the student council discussed whether to maintain the practice at issue, everyone submitted an opinion in favor except for one absent student."
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Remedial Committee No. 1 reached a different conclusion. It found that the expression "Gyeongcheon" carries the meaning of "let us honor God," and that when combined with the symbolic act of a hand salute, the religious meaning is reinforced.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also assessed that the decision of the student council alone cannot justify restricting individual students' basic rights, and that middle school students, given their developmental stage, are vulnerable to school authority and group dynamics, making it difficult for them to refuse the act.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) determined that it infringes on students' general freedom of action, freedom of religion, and freedom of conscience, and recommended that the principal of the private middle school refrain from it.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said, "In the case of acts that can carry religious meaning, a specific review of guaranteeing individual students' right to refuse and the scope of teachers' guidance should come first," adding, "We hope an environment will be created and guaranteed in which all students can learn equally regardless of religious belief."