80 percent say 'No' to revision of education law

A poll has revealed that an overwhelming majority of teachers think that the Fundamental Law of Education should not be revised.

The poll to give teachers a chance to express their opinions on the government's plan to change the basic education law was conducted by a group of unionized teachers, including the All Japan Teachers' and Staff's Union (Zenkyo) on the Internet from May 20-22.

About 123,000 teachers of 16,000 schools cast votes. About 50 percent of the voters were union members.

On the Central Education Council report, including its proposal for a review of the Fundamental Law of Education, 79.4 percent expressed opposition, and only 3.2 percent said they are in favor.

Enacted in 1947, the Fundamental Law of Education provides for democratic principles of education based on the Constitution, including contribution to world peace and respect for personal dignity.

In November 2002, the education minister's advisory council published a report calling for a review of the education law, causing repercussions throughout the country. The report calls for such elements as morals, patriotism, and traditional national culture to be included in the law.

Critics point out that the advisory council report does not present any reason why the education law needs to be revised.

Commenting on the poll, Zenkyo Secretary General Hideo Higashimori said:

"No teachers are on the Central Education Council. Our on-line poll was aimed at making teachers' opinions heard. The result shows that many teachers are very critical of the government's call for the revision of the Fundamental Law of Education which disregards teachers' wishes. We demand that the government and the education ministry stop moving towards the revision. It was good to have been able to have discussions among teachers concerning what should be done for children. We hope to develop this movement into one for better schools for children." (end)