From Chinese Press

Need not kneel to thank

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-10 10:55

Thanking teachers is part of students' learning process. But forcing students to kneel down before teachers to pay their respects - as a high school in Chongqing did recently - is not what thanksgiving is about, says an article in Nandu Daily. Excerpts:

A high school in Chongqing held a unique ceremony for its graduates recently. It asked the students to kneel down before the teachers to thank them.

Thanking teachers, no doubt, is sign of civility. But the role of teachers should not be exaggerated. It is their job to impart knowledge to students. It is their responsibility. In fact, without students, teachers would be without jobs. Moreover, equality is an essential element of education, too. The Chongqing school organized the "thanksgiving ceremony" at the cost of the students' dignity.

(China Daily 06/10/2010 page9)