Nguyen Tien Thong, Chairman of Phuc Yen Ward People's Committee, stated on 27/2 that the female teacher would be assigned to school equipment duties until the police investigation concludes.

This action followed social media outrage yesterday over reports that the teacher made an entire class, 2A2, lick dirt. According to the original post, some students did not comply but bowed their heads in fear. Parents reported their children came home with dirt and sand on their tongues, which they could not rinse clean.

Phuc Yen ward leaders and the school's board of directors held a meeting to review the teacher's written statement and camera footage from the class 2A2 classroom.

Authorities stated the incident occurred on the afternoon of 24/2 during an Ethics lesson. The teacher, a physical education instructor, noticed a messy classroom and instructed students to clean it.

In her statement, the teacher said she asked students for ideas on how to make them understand the importance of proper waste disposal and keeping the classroom clean. Some students suggested: "lick with their tongues and sniff with their noses."

The teacher responded, "Then try it," leading students to comply. Camera footage showed most students only bowed their heads, but some did "lick with their tongues and sniff with their noses." The teacher then tapped a ruler, and the students returned to their seats.

The teacher apologized to the students and their parents, but was absent from yesterday's meeting due to health reasons, according to ward leaders.

Truong Nhi Primary School, located in Phuc Yen ward, Phu Tho province (formerly Phuc Yen city, Vinh Phuc province). *Photo: School Fanpage*

Police are continuing their investigation to reach a final conclusion. Depending on the severity of the incident, the teacher could face a reprimand, a warning, or dismissal.

Additionally, under a government decree on administrative violations in education, acts that insult a learner's honor, dignity, or physical well-being, but do not amount to criminal liability, can result in fines from 5 to 10 million Vietnamese dong and a public apology.

By Duong Tam