SPOTLIGHT 24/10/21 Christian programs violate student rights, Seoul school told

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Christian programs violate student rights, Seoul school told

The unnamed school was told its in-class worship and choir competitions violate students' rights

South Korean students wait for an ability test in Seoul on Nov. 16, 2023. A rights center has urged an unnamed Christian high school in Seoul to allow students to choose whether to participate in religious activities. (Photo: AFP)

By UCA News reporter

Published: October 21, 2024 11:27 AM GMT

Updated: October 21, 2024 11:49 AM GMT

A privately run Christian school in the South Korean capital, Seoul, has been accused of violating students’ rights for its in-class worship programs and choir competitions.

Student Human Rights Education Center, attached to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, urged an unnamed Christian high school to allow students the freedom to join or stay out of religious activities, the Korea Times reported on Oct. 21.

“The school currently does not guarantee this right, violating the city’s law on student rights," the center said.

The center investigated the case after a student accused the school of not providing the choice to opt out of certain activities, such as choir contests.

The center said the school plans to hold 22 worship sessions, choir competitions, and Bible quizzes for the 2024 academic year.

The center found the school included certain courses on religion, including one on philosophy, in the curriculum. However, it said, they were selected “without any process to survey student demand or ensure student choice."

The rights center also objected to the school asking students and teachers to collect donations and bring fruits for religious services.

The rights center said several teachers had raised concerns since the schools' "calls for donations were unclear."

“It is necessary to clarify the details through a separate procedure to ensure transparency in the school’s operation and enhance trust in education in general,” the Kyunghyang Shinmun reported, quoting the rights center.

The rights center also rejected the school’s arguments that it was founded upon Christian principles and had informed the student applicants and parents of its religious activists and curriculum, which include teaching religious subjects, the Korea Times reported.

“Such rules cannot be justified and should not be prioritized over” the law on students’ rights and the constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, the rights center said.