Friday, August 08, 2008

Punishment for racial slurs : A Transfer

A teacher in a Banting school was recently transferred over allegations that she had made racial slurs and might even beaten up some students.

The Malaysiakini report has more details in terms of the racial slurs used - 'keling pariah', 'Negro' and 'black monkeys', ‘Indians came from dogs', Indians are ‘children of prostitutes' and the community is stupid and also allege that teacher had said the community youth ‘did not have testicles', ‘always menstruates' and indulged in thuggery and theft.

Furthermore, it was reported that she had 'beaten' up some of her students for being late. Not sure if these students were only from the Indian community.

Pending an investigation, she has been transferred to another school. My sense is that the investigation will be covered up and the teacher will get away with just a slap on the wrist.

I don't think that this is an isolated incident in our schools. I'm sure that in environments where only students of one race are taught, some teachers will not be afraid to let loose their views on students of other races and religions. After all, this kind of racist rhetoric is prevalent in BTN 'brainwashing' seminars where non-Malay students are present.

If the MOE is serious about stopping this kind of racial slurs in our schools, they should conduct a full scale investigation and sack this teacher as a sign to others who might think of following in her footsteps.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

transfered? i was kinda expecting if the aforementioned teacher got sacked or even go for counselling.

but this also mention to us another thing.the difference between students and teachers now and before.

back then during my days or our mom and dad days in school long ago,it's normal for students to get punished and even the parents encourage the teacher to teach their children some lesson if they disobey the teacher.also teachers back then even more stern and fierce than these days.

now it's all quite different.students becomes more and more "nakal" and being a teacher is considered a tough job.it's not easy to deal with kids and youths.this is where teachers have to be strong but dont put aside the student's right as well.

Anonymous said...

why transfer? so this teacher can enjoy a fresh start in some other school instead of facing the dislike of students in the present school? sounds more like MOE provides an escape route than disciplinary action.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of Racism, I think this speaks volume. It's sad that racism is still happening in our school and it's true! I've seen it with my own eyes...
The fact that school as a medium to learn and shape the minds of the young, teachers carry with them a noble and high responsibility.
That particular teacher seem to clearly forget her responsibility.
Guess some made themselves into teachers, some force themselves others are born with it.

Tiara said...

There's actual consequences for racist remarks by teachers? That's funny - my entire primary school was openly racist and nobody cared!

Unknown said...

Its official, just a slap on the wrist. Just hope it serves as a reminder that this kind of "racist attitude" is no longer acceptable.

Next stop, BTN?

= =

Teacher let off with warning
By KAREN CHAPMAN


PETALING JAYA: The teacher who uttered racial slurs against a group of Indian students in Banting recently has been given an administrative warning.

This means the teacher who has also been transferred, would have this on her record.

Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the Selangor education department's disciplinary committee investigated the case by calling those involved including the teacher and students.

"The Kuala Langat district education office also obtained the assistance of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator T. Murugiah on Aug 5 to set up a meeting between the parents and teachers," he said in a statement.

Alimuddin said the Selangor education department's disciplinary committee decided that the teacher be given the warning.

"As one of the steps taken to cool down the issue, the teacher was placed temporarily in the Selangor education department's counselling unit. The department counsellor will be working with her," he said.

Two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang recently lodged police reports against the teacher, alleging that she had made derogatory remarks about Indian students and called them unflattering names.

Angry parents and other members of the Indian community had gathered outside the school to protest against the teacher.

"The ministry regrets the incident which occurred during a class at the school on July 18. It also caused dissatisfaction among the parents at the school," said Alimuddin.

The ministry, he added, regarded the case as solved and hoped all parties would not raise the issue again.

National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng when contacted, said a teacher must be professional at all times when teaching students.

Teachers have responsibilities to their students and should not mix this up with emotion, she added.

"Since we live in a multi-racial country, teachers must think as Malaysians and treat all fairly," she said.

Lok said those who were not passionate and committed to the profession, should leave.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/20/nation/20080820162539&sec=nation