NUTP sec-gen remarks undermine sexual harassment survivors, says group
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Harry Tan’s dismissive remarks on sexual misconduct in schools underscores the toxic practice of discrediting victims, said the Nationwide School Walkout Day (NSWD) Alliance.
The group says Tan is wrong to cite a lack of data as the reason not to investigate the extent of sexual harassment and abuse at schools.
“The very fact that he was a teachers union representative demanding more...
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Harry Tan’s dismissive remarks on sexual misconduct in schools underscores the toxic practice of discrediting victims, said the Nationwide School Walkout Day (NSWD) Alliance.
The group says Tan is wrong to cite a lack of data as the reason not to investigate the extent of sexual harassment and abuse at schools.
“The very fact that he was a teachers union representative demanding more data while undermining the stories of survivors makes painfully clear that institutions side with the perpetrator.
“It reveals the toxic practice of discrediting and disbelieving survivors and students whom schools are meant to protect.
“It is now more than ever, that students need to stand in solidarity with each other in their fight to make schools safer,” it said in a statement today.
The group called for protests to be held yesterday and today to show solidarity with victims of sexual misconduct at schools.
Among others, they demanded for sexual harassment, abuse, and assault to be recognised and treated as a serious offence that should be addressed by school authorities with serious and immediate consequences.
They also called for students who come forward with their stories to be listened to, respected, and to be given protection and support.
The protests involve students skipping school with their parent’s consent, by wearing a white ribbon with a red stripe, and other means.
The protests follow a string of sordid revelations of girls suffering harassment in schools for decades.
During an interview with Astro Awani on May 5, however, Tan took a defensive stance when asked whether the NUTP would probe if sexual harassment and abuse were a problem in schools.
“How is it a widespread problem? Where are the statistics? Where is the data? Who are they talking about? How many schools are involved?
“We have 450,000 teachers in the country, we have 10,000 schools. How many schools are they talking about? Give me the facts,” he said.
Tan has since apologised after receiving backlash from social media users.
“Please accept my sincere apology. Neither I nor the NUTP would ever support any teacher who perpetrates the systemic nature of sexual harassment, rape, and abuse in schools.
“The point I was trying to make was that the majority of the country’s 450,000 teachers are dedicated, hard-working, and caring educators.
“Unfortunately, that did not come across clearly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NSWD Alliance said it hopes authorities would act proactively and listen to students’ demands.
It said it is also open to dialogue with parents, teachers, the NUTP, and relevant authorities.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure safe and conducive environments for children. Society and key stakeholders must act in unison and recognise their roles in dismantling the culture of sexual violence in schools.
“These protests are just the beginning, we will be consistently demonstrating in solidarity and demanding for students in our country to have their voices heard,” it said.
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