School is no place for demoralizing, discriminatory language—CHR
Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) “expressed concern” on a video of a teacher scolding her students which made rounds on social media.
According to its statement on March 22, the CHR said that using inappropriate language in school or in the academic setting can have adverse effects on students.
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“Demoralizing and discriminatory language, such as what can be seen in the video, can negatively affect the students’ perception of their self-worth, which can impact many areas of their life,” the CHR said.
DepEd Child Protection Policy
The commission likewise recognized the Department of Education’s (DepEd) verdict not to penalize the teacher, and to instead reprimand her, and said that the DepEd’s Child Protection Policy should be observed in classes.
“While we acknowledge the due process accorded to the teacher and the warning issued to her, we highlight the importance of firmly applying the DepEd Child Protection Policy in building a genuinely safe learning space for students,” it added.
The CHR added that provisions can be included in the policy to give consideration to teachers who are wrongly accused or are taken advantage of using the policy.
“To respond to such sentiment, the DepEd can include a provision in the policy that can help ensure that it will not be misused against teachers,” it said.
