Taiwan Teacher Attacked by Special Needs Student May Lose Sight; Union Demands Action Beyond 'Verbal Concern'

A junior high school student in Taichung, Taiwan, attacked a female teacher with a broken broomstick, causing severe injuries including potential blindness.

The incident occurred during summer remedial classes when the student became agitated after being asked to return to his seat.

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We are deeply saddened by this incident and will provide full assistance for the teacher's legal rights.

A teachers' union is demanding concrete commitments from the Ministry of Education regarding injured teachers' leave and contract extensions, rejecting mere verbal condolences.

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We reject mere verbal condolences and demand concrete commitments for sick leave and contract extensions.

The student, who has emotional disorders, became agitated when asked to return to his seat during summer remedial classes. He broke a broomstick and struck the teacher twice with the sharp end. The attack caused a ruptured iris, dislocated lens, severed nasolacrimal duct, and facial fractures, leaving her at risk of losing sight in her right eye.

Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao expressed his condolences and pledged support for the teacher's legal rights. However, the National Union of Substitute and Part-time Teachers criticized the ministry's response as insufficient. The union called for the teacher to be granted "sick leave for injury" and for her contract to be extended to ensure uninterrupted salary and benefits during her recovery. They also highlighted the increased risks during summer remedial classes due to reduced administrative and special education support, and the lack of transition support for students moving from elementary to junior high school.

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The current regulations offer extremely fragile employment protection for substitute teachers. The ministry should clearly instruct the Taichung City Government to grant the teacher 'sick leave for injury' and approve an extension of her contract.