A large group of parents staged a rare protest in northern China, demanding authorities stop the closure of a private school. According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), this demonstration led to an unusual response from local officials.
Parents Demand School Remain Open
On Sunday, concerned parents gathered in front of the Nangong city government office in Hebei province. They urged officials not to shut down Fengyi Elementary School after hearing about its planned closure, RFA reported.
The school was known for its good reputation. Parents had to enter a public lottery to get their children admitted. However, with the school set to close, many students may have to shift to public schools. These public schools reportedly suffer from poor management and frequent teacher changes, RFA added.
Government Pushes State-Controlled Education
The closure appears to be part of a national effort that began a few years ago. The Chinese government has been trying to reduce the number of private schools and increase control over education. Officials argue that this shift will promote fairness in education and lower costs for families, the report said.
Thousands of Private Schools Shut Down
Recent statistics support this trend. According to China’s Ministry of Education, over the past four years, more than 20,000 private schools have closed. In 2023 alone, the number dropped by over 11,000.
As a result, fewer students are attending private schools. The Ministry’s report shows that enrollment in private schools has dropped to below 50 million, which is over 3 million fewer students than in 2023. Private school students now make up just 17% of the total student population in China.
Parents Still Prefer Private Schools
Even with these changes, many Chinese parents still choose private schools. They believe these schools offer better quality than public ones. However, local governments continue to enforce strict policies that limit private education.
Earlier Report Highlights Uyghur Cultural Suppression
Separately, the Center for Uyghur Studies (CUS) released a detailed report. It revealed how boarding schools in Xinjiang are being used to suppress Uyghur culture. The report claims that these schools are part of a broader assimilation strategy. It also states that China has used the idea of “counter-terrorism” since 9/11 to justify harsh policies against the Uyghur people.
