Education Ministry is Investigating a High School Principal for the Use of Violence Against Students
PHNOM PENH: The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Ros Soveacha, said on Wednesday, 14 September, that the Ministry is investigating the principle of Hun Sen Sereypheap Krong Takmao High School, after a video of the principle using violence against two female students was leaked online.
Spokesperson Ros Soveacha told EAC News that the Board of Education is responsible for taking the necessary administrative actions for all reported cases and incidents at educational institutions, in cooperation with the 25 Departments of Education, Youth and Sports, who are under the Ministry of Education.
In regard to the specific case and video leaked online of the principal of Hun Sen Sereypheap Krong Takmao High School using violence against students, the Spokesperson said that the Ministry is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
"The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports would like to thank the public for their cooperation, including providing information for the purpose of contributing to the improvement of the quality of education in Cambodia," he said.
According to the Spokesperson, if found guilty after the investigation, the principal in question could face two measures of administrative action, including a written reprimand and a forced transfer or removal from the framework.
Article 17 of the Law on Education states that General Education is necessary for students to develop knowledge, morality, and a good personality, through the promotion of students’ mental, intellectual, and physical abilities, ensuring that all students attain a basic level of knowledge and skills.
Article 35 of the Law on Education also states that students are entitled to respect and human rights, especially the right to dignity and the right to be free from torture or physical and mental punishment.
Scholars have to respect the internal rules of the institution, value gender equality by exercising their rights responsibly, and respect the rights of others to improve everyone’s physical and mental health and the quality of academic results.
A video was widely shared on social media showing a man, the principal of Hun Sen Sereypheap Krong Takmao High School, slapping a female student on the shoulder and pointing at another female student who came to help.
Ministry of Education Spokesperson, Ros Soveacha, has confirmed that the Ministry does not support the use of violence against students and has also extended his thanks to relevant ministries and institutions, development partners, education staff and local authorities, for their positive cooperation and participation in the endeavor to eliminate all forms of violence, an effort which requires the participation of all stakeholders, including parents.