Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2011 December 7 - 13 [EDUCATION]

Osaka’s control of public schools violates law

An educational ordinance bill submitted to the Osaka prefectural assembly by Osaka’s local party is conflicting with the existing national law.

The “Osaka Ishin-no Kai” led by Osaka City Mayor Hashimoto Toru is seeking to have the ordinance bill enacted in a bid to give the Osaka governor the power to define the objectives of public high schools and dismiss educational boards.

However, the Law on Regional Education Administration, which stipulates the authority of educational boards and municipal heads, does not empower the latter to do so.

The Ministry of Education on December 7 issued a view calling for neutrality and stability in public education. The view states that it is the board of education, not the municipal head, which has the power over educational affairs.

Japanese Communist Party representative Kuchihara Akira at a prefectural assembly meeting on December 7 opposed the ordinance bill as being illegal. He demanded more small-sized classes and more full-time teachers so that children can improve academic skills, foster zest for living, and develop critical thinking abilities.

Osaka Governor Matsui Ichiro who also belongs to the “Osaka Ishin-no Kai” said, “This is just one view. I don’t agree with the point of view that claims it is in the violation of the law.”

In the evening of that day, more than 1,400 parents, teachers, public workers, and lawyers assembled in a rally in Osaka City, calling for the withdrawal of the bill. Education-related workers’ unions, irrespective of their difference in national center affiliations, on the same day published a joint appeal in opposition to the attempt at fascist control over public education.