Cram School Teacher Involved in Voyeurism Still Teaching; Cheng Chao-hsin: Personal Data of Sex Offenders Need Not Be Protected

The Taichung City Council held an education and culture committee session today, where Democratic Progressive Party councilor Tseng Chao-jung revealed that a cram school teacher surnamed Lin was given a suspended sentence by a prosecutor for secretly filming women. This teacher continues to teach at a cram school and even posted a good conduct certificate online, interacting with students in educational settings daily. Tseng Chao-jung argued that students and parents should have access to information about their teachers and questioned whether the Education Bureau's early warning system is effective. He proposed that background checks for cram school personnel should be integrated with police and judicial systems, and administrative measures should be in place for those with significant doubts, even if not yet convicted. Education Bureau Director Chiang Wei-min responded that cram school teachers are also included in the system for unsuitable educational personnel. He stated that if cram schools fail to conduct proper checks and employ such individuals, they will be severely punished according to the law upon confirmation. The Education Bureau further explained that the teacher began teaching at the cram school six years ago. Three years ago, he was involved in a case of indecent assault against a woman, for which he received a suspended sentence from the prosecutor. As the case did not involve minors, it does not violate relevant laws concerning children and adolescents, and therefore, under current 'Compulsory Education Law' regulations, he cannot be registered in the national system for unsuitable educational personnel. The bureau will continue to monitor the teacher's instruction and interactions with students, and will strictly punish any improper conduct according to the law. Jiang Chao-kuo, a DPP councilor, stated that preventing unsuitable individuals from entering educational settings is a passive approach. He asked if other mechanisms could be implemented, mentioning the central government and civic groups' advocacy for a child and adolescent work permit system, and how to fill the loopholes in the verification system that allow unsuitable individuals to move from schools to cram schools and art classes, from licensed to unlicensed institutions. Cheng Chao-hsin replied that this is a systemic issue that requires comprehensive review. Currently, the responsibility for screening unsuitable personnel falls on educational personnel, but educational institutions are understaffed. He believes that the reporting system for unsuitable personnel should be open to all parents and the public, utilizing AI technology to assist with inquiries. Jiang Chao-kuo countered that fully opening the system could involve issues of personal data and privacy, which might not be suitable. Cheng Chao-hsin emphasized, "The personal data of these individuals does not need to be protected." He stated that protecting the privacy of offenders is equivalent to condoning criminal behavior. (Edited by: Chang Ming-kun) 2026-04-20