Reflecting on Frivolous Lawsuits in Education: Minister Cheng Says Case Numbers Dropped After Reform

Central News Agency

(Taipei, 11th, Central News Agency reporter Chen Zhizhong) Frivolous lawsuits in schools have drawn social attention, and the recent Korean drama 'The Iron Fist Education' has further resonated with the public. Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao stated today that while any drama can be inspiring, the caseload has decreased since the reform of school affairs committees was implemented, and he expects parent-teacher-student relationships to become more harmonious in the future.

The Korean drama 'The Iron Fist Education' deals with issues such as school violence, bullying, and teacher-student conflicts. A scene in the drama where the government establishes a 'Teaching Rights Protection Bureau' to handle out-of-control students using violent means has sparked heated discussion.

Cheng Ying-yao attended the first graduation and employment ceremony for the new specialized classes today. Before the event, he was interviewed by the media and asked for his views on 'The Iron Fist Education'.

Cheng stated that he is not worried about Taiwan's education. For example, the recent controversy over 'school affairs committees' has improved after legislative reforms, including not processing anonymous complaints and triaging cases by severity.

According to Ministry of Education statistics, in the approximately four months since the new system was implemented (as of April 30, 2026), there were 202 complaints, of which 45 entered school affairs committee investigations, accounting for 22% of complaints. In comparison, during the same period before the reform (January to April 2025), there were 448 complaints, with 366 entering investigations, accounting for 82% of complaints. This shows that after the new system was implemented, the number of complaints decreased compared to the same period before the reform, and the proportion entering investigations also dropped significantly.

Cheng said that after the reform, cases that do not reach the level of dismissal or non-renewal of contracts will not be handled by school affairs committees. He believes that cooperation between parents, teachers, and students will become more harmonious in the future. Parents can feel more at ease sending their children to school, teachers can focus more on professional guidance, and students can learn more securely in the classroom.

Cheng stated that he has promised the Legislative Yuan that a more detailed analysis will be provided after the semester ends in July this year. He will also invite representatives from various counties and cities, teachers, and parents to discuss related policies, so that student guidance and discipline can keep pace with the times and reduce unnecessary misunderstandings.

Cheng mentioned many films related to education issues in the past, including 'The Dull-Ice Flower' and 'Good Will Hunting', which have provided some inspiration for educational institutions. He reminded that in talent cultivation, schools should be more professional and, through parent-teacher cooperation, allow students to learn more securely.

Asked about the progress of amending the 'Matters to Note for Schools in Formulating Teacher Guidance and Discipline of Students', Cheng said that he will continue to gather ideas from all sectors, hoping that the regulations can keep pace with the times. For example, previously, school affairs committees did not have 'assistants', but after suggestions from all sectors, they have been added to provide legal consultation to the parties involved. He will continue to seek opinions from all sectors to form greater support for education. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150611

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