  Lawlessness that will destroy education -- Akahata editorial, March 8 (excerpts)Graduation ceremonies, which should be filled with joy and hope, look gloomy and depressed. It is because the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and regional boards of education are forcing public schools to put up the 'Hinomaru' (rising sun) flag and sing 'Kimigayo' (May the imperial reign last forever!) at ceremonies. The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education regulates the details of ceremonies, and has punished many teachers for not obeying them. The simple question is this. Is a graduation ceremony a part of educational activity for graduating students or is it an administrative activity to be presided by a principal who bestows diplomas to be carried out under the guidances and directives of public officials? If it is an educational activity, the crucial point is that it must be for the good of the students. Therefore, graduation ceremonies need to draw out and encourage students' creativity and self-reliance. For a board of education to regulate details about the setup of a platform to ensure the display of Hinomaru on the stage and the singing of Kimigayo amounts to intervening in educational activity. A directive by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education stands out with its demanding attitude. It forces even physically handicapped children to ascend the platform to receive diplomas under the flag. The directive urges public school principals to issue orders concerning ceremonies and punish those who do not obey. The national flag and anthem law was enacted in 1999. However, then Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo in parliament replied that the law is not compulsory. As regards regulations under the official guidelines for school teaching, he stated. "They are not intended to meddle in children's inner life forcibly." The national anthem and flag law is just a legal basis for the government to use the flag and the song at official occasions. Democracy ensures that people are not forced to bow to the flag or sing the song to the imperial reign. Using 'Hinomaru' and 'Kimigayo' as a test of allegiance amounts to violation of human rights by insisting on political adherence. It is the very opposite to what education is all about. (end) |