Taiwan Educator's Actions Lead to Tragic Outcome: A Call for Workplace Protection

The case of a Taiwanese educator's actions and the subsequent tragic loss highlights the need for stronger protections against workplace harassment and bullying within Taiwan's education system.

The tragic case of a deceased female teacher in Chiayi City, Taiwan, has brought to light significant concerns regarding workplace conduct and the protection of educators. Former Principal Zhao Jiwei of Jiabei Elementary School installed surveillance cameras in the classroom and conducted a special teacher's meeting to publicly scrutinize the circumstances of the teacher's resignation. This led to the teacher feeling humiliated, compounded by false statements made by Zhao in the media. The teacher was subsequently subjected to online harassment, ultimately leading to her suicide.

The Control Yuan (Taiwan's oversight body) found that Zhao Jiwei had damaged the reputation of an education professional. Furthermore, Lin Lisheng, then Director of Education of Chiayi City, was accused of failing to provide adequate supervision and of verbally abusing the deceased's family. Both individuals were impeached. During the disciplinary court hearing on the 17th, Zhao was absent, and Lin argued he was "not a direct superior."

Notably, Lin Lisheng was later appointed as the Director of Education for Hsinchu City under Gao Hongan, who is currently suspended due to corruption allegations. Zhao Jiwei remains employed in education. This case has ignited public outcry, with the National Substitute and Substitute Teacher Industry Union calling for strengthened workplace bullying prevention mechanisms and legal safeguards for civil servants within Taiwan's public sector, especially in education.