The Petitions the Ministry of Education Must Hear [Column by Hong Seong-soo]
The Ministry of Education has been urged to create a complaint form regarding LGBTQ+ issues, following the controversy surrounding the creation of a guidebook on hate and discrimination. The complaint centers on the absence of content related to sexual orientation and gender identity in the guidebook. This exclusion is seen as a step backward, as the Ministry of Education should not ignore the most vulnerable group among the marginalized, such as sexual minorities.
Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are particularly vulnerable in schools, with high rates of depression, dropping out, bullying, and harassment. Despite decades of research and advocacy from civil society and academia, the government's response has been disappointing. The Ministry of Education is now taking the first step in addressing this issue, and it is crucial that the guidebook be comprehensive and inclusive, protecting all students from discrimination and hate.
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