China bans teachers accepting student gifts in graft crackdown

BEIJING (Reuters) – China has banned teachers from receiving gifts from students and their parents to curb the buying of favours in the education system, often in exchange for giving students special treatment, state media reported.

The new measures are the latest move in the government’s campaign against corruption, which have engulfed government officials, managers of state-owned enterprises as well as college deans.

Teaching staff are prohibited from asking for or receiving presents, money and other valuables such as securities and vouchers from students and parents, the official Xinhua news agency said late on Monday, citing the education ministry.

The new rules also forbid teachers from attending banquets arranged by parents that may cloud their judgement in exams and evaluations of students.

They were also not allowed to take kickbacks from helping to sell books, newspapers and magazines to students, Xinhua added.

Holidays and special times such as graduation and the beginning of a semester, where gift-giving from students is most likely, are especially important moments to watch for such activities, according to the ministry.

Teachers found accepting valuables and favours against the rules will be publicly exposed, while severe violators will be fired and could be prosecuted.

(Reporting by Li Hui and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Ron Popeski)