Teachers Seeking Rights in Amasya Face Transfers
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Teachers' unions in Amasya have reported issues including physical inadequacies, unequal resource distribution, and arbitrary administrative practices in local schools.
- A specific complaint involved alleged mobbing by a school principal, leading to an investigation.
- Following the investigation, union members faced disciplinary actions, including transfers and reprimands, while the principal was reassigned.
Teachers' unions in Amasya have compiled a report highlighting significant challenges within the local education system. The report details issues such as inadequate school facilities, disparities in resource allocation, and what they describe as arbitrary administrative actions.
One key concern raised is that some schools are operating at nearly double their capacity. The report also alleges preferential treatment for religious education schools (imam hatip schools). Furthermore, educators involved in union activities have reportedly faced disciplinary measures.
A specific incident cited involves a group of teachers at Amasya High School who filed a complaint against the principal, รnzile Karasu, alleging mobbing. An investigation was subsequently launched by the provincial directorate of national education.
According to the unions, the investigation resulted in eight teachers, members of Eฤitim-Sen and Eฤitim-ฤฐล, being transferred to schools in different districts and towns. Three teachers received reprimand penalties. Meanwhile, Principal Karasu was appointed to a school in Suluova. Mustafa รlgรผn, head of the EฤitimSen Amasya branch, stated, "We do not accept the penalties and exiles given for the reason of submitting a petition." He added that teachers are being portrayed as the source of the problem, disrupting the work environment within schools.
We do not accept the penalties and exiles given for the reason of submitting a petition.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.