Ten Codes of Conduct for Teachers in Higher Education Institutions

Brief Description

In response to the sexual harassment in universities and colleges, the Ministry of Education issued the “Ten Codes of Conduct for Teachers in Higher Education Institutions in the New Era” and the “Guiding Opinions of the Ministry of Education on Addressing Misbehaviours of Teachers in Higher Education Institutions.” It is clearly stipulated that teachers must not engage in any improper relationship with students and are prohibited from any form of sexual harassment. Depending on the circumstances, the misbehaved teachers should bear administrative, civil and criminal liability. It is required to carefully select teachers, provide training when teachers are recruited and introduced, and directly veto the misbehaviours in annual assessments. For those who have serious misbehaviours such as abuse, obscenity, and sexual harassment, once verified, they will be revoked teacher qualification, dismissed, cleared out of the teaching force, and recorded in the National Teacher Management Information System. No school can appoint those misbehaved teachers to engage in teaching, research or management. The judicial organs shall be promptly informed of the suspected illegal crimes and take action accordingly. It is required that schools take main responsibility, and establish and improve the mechanism for accepting and investigating the misconduct of teachers. Schools will be held accountable according to the management authority, if they are in dereliction of duty and cause adverse effects or serious consequences, including failing to supervise the misconduct of teachers, refusing to punish, delaying the punishment, shirking responsibilities or concealing information.