General
Public Shaming of Teachers in Sichuan Sparks Online Outcry
Over 40 teachers in Leibo County, Sichuan, were publicly shamed on stage after their students received low exam scores.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, a controversial incident occurred during an internal meeting at the Leibo County Education Bureau in Sichuan, China, in late August. More than 40 primary and middle school teachers were called onto a stage to be photographed while a large screen behind them displayed their students' low exam results.
For the primary school group, over 20 teachers were summoned because their students' median scores were below 30 out of 100. Subsequently, another group of over 20 middle school teachers was called up because their students' average scores were below 15 out of 100. The situation drew significant backlash online because the screen prominently displayed Chinese characters meaning "shame" or "disgrace" behind the teachers.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the intense pressure within the Chinese educational system and the unconventional disciplinary methods sometimes employed by local authorities. While the images have gone viral and sparked widespread criticism regarding the treatment of educators, it remains to be confirmed what, if any, administrative actions will be taken against the officials who organized the meeting. The event serves as a reminder of the high-stakes environment surrounding academic performance in the region.