County/City Governments Plan Legal Consultation System to Assist Teachers Facing Campus Lawsuits

(CNA, Taipei, June 24) The issue of frivolous lawsuits on campus has garnered significant public attention. Chang Liao Wan-chien, Deputy Minister of Education, stated today at the Legislative Yuan that the ministry is considering increasing funding to establish legal consultation centers in various counties and cities to provide teachers with legal assistance and support, with the hope of launching the system next year.

At a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee today, where the Ministry of Education reported on "Discussions on School Affairs Committees, Teacher Counseling and Discipline Systems, and Related Rights of Children and Adolescents," several legislators, including Wu Pei-yi and Fan Yun of the Democratic Progressive Party, suggested referencing international practices to offer teachers more professional counseling and even legal assistance.

Chang Liao Wan-chien stated that a "balance" will be sought between the rights of teachers and students. Currently, the ministry is drafting collaborations with bar associations and legal societies to establish consultation systems in various counties and cities, allowing lawyers familiar with campus issues to provide legal advice. The aim is to promote this initiative next year.

During a media interview while the meeting was in recess, Chang Liao Wan-chien mentioned that in recent years, funding has been allocated to assist counties and cities in establishing teacher psychological counseling and support systems, which are now largely complete. Subsequently, teacher groups suggested incorporating legal consultation to offer teachers more support and assistance.

Chang Liao Wan-chien indicated that the Ministry of Education is currently working in this direction, guiding county and city governments to collaborate with bar associations and legal societies to provide free legal consultations, and even considering offering litigation support and assistance.

When asked by reporters about how litigation assistance would be provided, Chang Liao Wan-chien replied that the Teachers Act includes auxiliary measures for "litigation due to official duties," but the definition needs further clarification. To his understanding, there are difficulties in related determinations, and the ministry will consider amending the law to establish a more feasible channel. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150624

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