Teacher brings syringe to class to 'threaten' students

A teacher, who asked five students to inject themselves with a syringe, stated she brought the medical tool to class to 'intimidate' disobedient students or those who failed to complete homework.

The People's Committee of Ben Cat Ward released a report on the afternoon of 16/4 detailing an incident involving a teacher at Luong The Vinh Primary School. The homeroom teacher of class 3.6 admitted to acting impulsively and without proper thought when she brought a syringe into the classroom. Her stated purpose was to intimidate students who were disobedient, did not complete their homework, or failed to wear their scarves.

Three days prior, the teacher instructed five students, who were talking during class, to hold a syringe and inject themselves. The incident came to light after a parent reported it to the school and the ward authorities.

Authorities have deemed the teacher's actions a violation of teacher ethics and children's rights. This behavior has severely damaged the reputation of teachers and the education sector.

Ms. Nguyen Thi My Hanh, Principal of Luong The Vinh Primary School, stated that the 36-year-old female teacher holds a degree in primary education but did not enter the profession immediately after graduation. Three years ago, she became a teacher at the school after passing the civil servant examination for the former Binh Duong province.

"I was surprised. The school regularly disseminates regulations on what teachers are not allowed to do", Ms. Hanh said. She confirmed that the teacher was suspended from teaching on 15/4. During a meeting with parents, the teacher apologized and committed to covering the costs for the five students to undergo general health check-ups. Initial test results did not indicate any blood-borne infectious diseases, and all five students have since returned to school.

According to Ms. Hanh, the school's disciplinary council is scheduled to meet next week to determine the appropriate form of disciplinary action for the teacher.

"The disciplinary action will be based on the severity of the violation, but it is likely the school will reassign the teacher to administrative or archival duties, preventing her from teaching in the classroom", she explained.

Primary school teachers are public employees managed by the commune or ward People's Committee. The Education Law stipulates that teachers must not insult the honor or physical well-being of students. Depending on the severity of the violation, there are four disciplinary actions: reprimand, warning, dismissal from position, or termination of employment.