SHANGHAI (SCMP): A primary teacher in China has been suspended from her job for cursing at “naughty” pupils and saying that she hoped they would all get the flu.
The outburst appeared in a chat group and has gone viral online.
The teacher, surnamed Li, is a music tutor at Gaoxin District Experimental School in Tongchuan, Shaanxi province, northwestern China, Jiupai News reported.
Her comments in a matchmaking chat group with 100 members caused outrage.
“The students are so naughty and so noisy. I feel sorry for my eardrums. I hope they all get the flu. Get out and go back home immediately,” Li said in the chat group.
In reply to some people who were unhappy with her comment, Li said: “I do not care as long as I receive my income. It is fine with me if you tip off my bosses. But if you had to endure this job, you would not do that,” Li added.
When others advised her not to hope that her pupils catch the flu, Li insisted the jibe was just part of the point she was making and should not be focused on.
“After all, these pupils are not your kids. It is none of your business,” Li said.
In response to criticism that she would not last long in the job with such an attitude, Li said: “I am afraid I must remind you that I have a permanent employment contract.”
It is not known how long Li has been teaching.
In China’s government departments and public-funded enterprises and institutions, a small proportion of staff are hired in a permanent capacity.
This effectively means they have a job for life unless they make a serious mistake.
Some members of the chat group released the conversation online, triggering a public backlash against Li.
Li has been temporarily suspended from her job, according to her school.
A spokesman from the local education authority told the media on December 15 that they have launched an investigation into the incident.
“After we complete the investigation, we will release the results to the public,” the official said.
Since November, the flu has been rampant in primary and secondary schools across the country.
Some classes have been suspended because so many pupils have fallen sick. Some teachers ask children to wear masks at school.
The story sparked a wave of condemnation among Chinese netizens.
“Just because you are permanently hired, you can be so unethical. Get out of the teachers’ group. You do not deserve it,” said one person.
“The government should investigate carefully how she got this job,” said another. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
