China takes punitive action against officials over 'ugly’ illustrations in school textbook

More than two dozen education officials in China have been punished for a series of math textbook drawings that, according to an investigation, portrayed country's children as "ugly." According to a statement issued by Ministry of Education on August 22, 27 officials from state-owned publisher were reprimanded or fired for illustrations that had "fallen short of fundamental requirements of moral education."

Ministry, in a statement, said, " overall style of illustrations do t conform to aestic tastes of public. Some illustrated characters are ugly, show poor spirit and style, and do t reflect a positive im of our nation's children."

In May, drawings of students with small eyes in People's Education Press primary school books sparked outr on Chinese social media. Moreover, apparent depiction of male genitalia on boys' pants, as well as children wearing clothing with stars and stripes, was interpreted as pro-American by Chinese social media users.  largest textbook publisher in nation apologised in public on its official WeChat account in May after being told to redesign its materials for semester that begins in September.

To increase patriotism among its youth, China has tightened control over its textbooks and curriculum in recent years. People's Education Press published mamatics books nearly ten years ago, and y were reportedly used in elementary schools across country. However, y went viral in May after a teacher shared photos of illustrations inside.

CCP orders review to ensure textbooks adhere to correct political direction

Many social media users were amused by illustrations, but many also condemned m as bringing disrepute and "cultural annihilation" to China, speculating that y were deliberate work of western infiltrators in education sector. As a result of massive exposure of related hashtags, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and educational authorities faced embarrassment and anunced a review of all textbooks "to ensure that textbooks adhere to correct political direction and value orientation."

country's education authorities said in a lengthy statement released on Monday that 27 people were found to have "igred ir duties and responsibilities" and were punished, including chief of publishing house, who was given formal demerits, which can affect a party member's standing and future employment. Additionally, chief editor and director of editing office for math department received demerits and were fired from ir positions.

(Im: AP)