 Tokyo government to punish teachers for refusing to sing 'Kimigayo' The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education on March 30 decided to punish about 50 public school teachers for refusing to comply with its order to stand up and sing "Kimigayo" at graduation ceremonies. It will reprimand those who were punished for the first time and reduce salaries for those who were punished last year as well. In October 2003, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education issued a directive ordering schools to follow a specific procedure in school ceremonies, including how to sing "Kimigayo" and raise the "Hinomaru" flag. As punishment for teachers who failed to follow the instructions at graduation and entrance ceremonies in 2004, it canceled a plan to hire them as part-timers after they retire, cut their salaries, and reprimanded them. Akahata on March 31 pointed out that the punishment is in violation of the constitutional freedom of conscience and the Fundamental Law of Education prohibiting government interference in education. (end) |