Premier Mao Chi-kuo is calling for a law to ensure the neutrality of education.
Mao made the comments in a Cabinet meeting Thursday in response to an ongoing dispute over a new high school history curriculum. Protestors, mainly high school students, have called the new curriculum China-centric and illegal. They have been demonstrating in front of the education ministry for days.
The new high school curriculum went into effect on August 1. In February an administrative court ruled that the revised curriculum violated the law because the revision did not follow proper procedures. Protestors have demanded that the education ministry retract the curriculum, but the ministry has refused, saying that schools can choose between the old and the revised curriculum. On Tuesday the legislature suggested that the education ministry immediately begin to review the new curriculum.
In response, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said the dispute over the curriculum shows that different generations have different points of view. He also said the education ministry should review the curriculum and ensure that committee members are professional and credible.
Cabinet spokesman Sun Lih-chyun relayed the premier’s comments to the media.
"In the Cabinet meeting, the premier recommended the enactment of a law to ensure the neutrality of education. This is so that curriculum contents are protected by law and not skewed by a specific and monolithic value system," said Sun.
The premier said the dispute over the revised curriculum shows that the government has much to learn and improve. He also said he hopes this will be an opportunity to ensure the neutrality of education.