Over 500 people rally against governor's militaristic intervention in education

Over 500 people attended an emergency meeting in Tokyo on April 29 to express opposition to the punishment of 206 teachers for refusing to obey the Tokyo governor's militaristic intervention in entrance and graduation events this spring.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education had ordered Tokyo Metropolitan schools to put up the "Hinomaru" flag and have teachers and students sing "Kimigayo" at such events.

The meeting under the slogan "Schools need to breathe in freedom" was held by people who are worried that students are barred from thinking freely and making judgments on their own. Teaches and parents said that such compulsion at schools will bring about the revival of militarism.

Fifty organizations in education, peace, and trade union movements took part in the rally. (end)