BRTK rolls back disciplinary regulations to prevent further losses
The Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS) has made a strong statement calling for the withdrawal of recent changes in the Disciplinary Regulation. The Union President, Selma Eylem, expressed concerns that the changes could threaten the scientific, secular, and egalitarian education system in place, which upholds Atatürk’s Principles and Revolutions.
In their official statement, the union argued that these changes were aimed at dismantling the democratic and secular society order. They reaffirmed their commitment to standing against any impositions, threats, or pressures that may arise, emphasizing the importance of continuing to provide quality education for the students and future generations.
The recent amendment to the statute has raised issues regarding the attire of female students who were previously attending school without any religious symbols. It was reported that some students were sent to different schools for wearing headscarves, accompanied by guidance teachers. The union emphasized the importance of not imposing religious symbols on students, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The statement also condemned the use of fake accounts on social media to discredit teachers, calling it a deliberate and organized campaign. They called on the Ministry of Education and the Council of Ministers to reconsider the changes and ensure that students are not victimized during the exam period.
The union warned that any troubles or events that may arise in schools as a result of these changes would be the responsibility of the authorities. They stressed that the teachers are dedicated to the future of the children and society as a whole, and will continue to fight for a quality education system that values diversity and inclusivity.
