Baejae High School Faces Scrutiny Over Discriminatory Chants; Coaches' Punishment Questioned

Students at Baejae High School are facing disciplinary measures after making discriminatory remarks during a recent baseball game. The school has stated it is taking the incident very seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation to determine appropriate actions for all involved.

The controversy erupted during a game on July 29 when some students allegedly used offensive cheers, including "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day," directed at the opposing team, Gwangju Jeil High School. The incident prompted an immediate response from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, which visited Baejae High School for an emergency guidance session.

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Some media reports are attempting to downplay or conceal this incident as solely a student issue, but the school's position is that we are viewing this incident with extreme seriousness.

According to the education office's findings, four coaches were present during the game. While the head coach was not directly in earshot of the remarks, he was informed of the protest and later disciplined the students. The coaches later apologized to Gwangju Jeil High School's coaching staff. The school has since conducted human rights and ethics education for the baseball team and all students, and has suspended team training.

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We are currently conducting a thorough investigation and will take action against those involved.

Two students who initiated the offensive chants have been referred to the student disciplinary committee, with further review for other participating students. The education office has urged careful consideration of disciplinary actions, emphasizing recurrence prevention and long-term conflict resolution. However, the question of disciplinary action against the coaches remains a point of contention. The education office stated that since the coaches are contract employees, the school must decide on disciplinary measures through its own operational committee. The school has also advised students to wear casual clothing instead of uniforms temporarily due to safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the Baejae High School Alumni Association has called for the principal's immediate resignation, holding him responsible for the incident. They also urged the school foundation to take strict measures.

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The principal must immediately resign, taking moral and managerial responsibility for this incident.