In a groundbreaking move, all 65 public high schools in Ehime Prefecture have abolished the requirement for students to notify the school in advance of their participation in political activities outside of school. This change comes after the introduction of the voting rights for 18-year-olds in 2016, which prompted the schools to include this provision in their regulations.
Out of the total 65 schools, more than half, specifically 36 schools, have already eliminated this notification requirement. This decision reflects a shift towards more freedom for students to engage in political activities without the burden of prior approval from the school authorities.
The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the schools for promoting student autonomy and freedom of expression, while others express concerns about the potential consequences of allowing students to engage in political activities without supervision.
This development in Ehime Prefecture is seen as a step towards empowering young people to participate in civic engagement and exercise their democratic rights without unnecessary restrictions. It also raises questions about the role of schools in regulating students’ political activities and the balance between freedom and responsibility in the educational system.