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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Education (MOE) looks forward to working with institutes of higher education (DIH) and schools to standardize modules used to teach respect and boundaries, and protocol and response to issues that arise, said the Minister of State Sun Xueling.
There have been a recent spate of sexual misconduct cases at universities here, more than a year after undergraduate student Monica Baey spoke online about how the National University of Singapore (NUS) responded after a fellow student called her. filmed taking a shower in his hostel. .
In recent months, several cases involving members of the faculty have also emerged. More recently, the firing of a professor by NUS marked the third time in less than two months that the institution took action against a current or former staff member for allegations of inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct.
“The various IHLs have their own curriculum, as well as modules on teaching respect and boundaries for staff as well as students,” Ms Sun said, speaking to reporters on Monday (December 21) after of an organized virtual participation session. by the Ministry of Education and the National Youth Council.
“What the Ministry of Education hopes to do is work closely with IHL to ensure further standardization of the modules that are used, and also share resources so that there is alignment, and observe the cases that have arisen and also standardize the protocol and our responses to problems that arise. “
It is important to provide “age appropriate” gender education to young people about self-respect and respect for others, Ms. Sun said.
“There were suggestions that there should be more alignment between the schools, when it comes to the materials that are used, the standards,” he added.
The Ministry of Education will work with general education schools and institutes of higher education on issues such as gender education and respect, Ms. Sun said, adding that there is space for schools to share resources.
READ: Institutions must be ‘open and timely’ when addressing allegations of sexual misconduct: MOE
Monday’s dialogue involved 124 students from higher education institutes, and the discussion addressed the issues faced by women, including gender stereotypes, the gender imbalance at work, and the need for more education on gender and sexuality.
This is the first dialogue of its kind with students, as part of a national review of issues affecting women in the home, school, workplace, and community.
The ideas and suggestions gathered through these dialogues will form the basis of a White Paper to be presented to Parliament in the first half of next year. Ms. Sun is co-leading the review with the Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Commerce and Industry, Low Yen Ling, and Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Rahayu Mahzam.
Addressing the call for gender and sexuality education from the students who spoke during the dialogue, Ms. Sun noted that the updated character and citizenship education curriculum in the upcoming school year, there will be an increased emphasis on moral values, cyber wellness and understanding the importance of respecting boundaries for oneself and others, both online and offline.
“It will also recognize the importance that the family has to play in the process, so schools will also be involved and work closely with parents because they play a fundamental role in imparting values and guiding their children,” he added .
READ: NUS Steps Up Approach to Sexual Misconduct Cases; faster police reports, exploring bystander formation
Other students spoke about infrastructure and security improvements at colleges in response to the recent spate of sexual misconduct cases, Ms. Sun said.
“Other participants spoke about the need to equip students with age-appropriate knowledge, so they can know how to protect themselves against online sexual harassment, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and also how to recognize inappropriate behavior and understand the legal consequences, and the social, economic or socio-emotional impact that such crimes can have, ”said Ms. Sun.
Noting what one student said about the need for “uniform standards” in schools for gender education on developing healthy relationships, self-esteem and mutual respect, Ms. Sun added: “I appreciate the feedback and the The Ministry of Education will work with schools and IHL to guarantee harmonization between institutions in matters of education and respect for gender “.
