Vietnam Proposes Ban on 'Pressuring' Parent Associations

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training has announced a draft regulation aimed at prohibiting parent associations from pressuring or discriminating against parents who do not contribute financially. The proposal, released on August 7th, is open for public comment until August 17th. Under the proposed rules, parent associations will be forbidden from interfering with the school's administrative, operational, and professional activities. They will also be prohibited from setting their own fees, determining contribution amounts, or coercing participation. Financial support must be voluntary, and the majority's decision within the association does not obligate all members to contribute. Furthermore, the draft explicitly states that parent associations must not exert pressure, discriminate, or create disadvantages in any form towards teachers, parents, or their children if they do not contribute or participate in association activities. The collection, provision, use, or disclosure of information about individuals within the school against regulations is also banned. Parent associations are also barred from directly collecting or receiving donations for schools, and from operating outside their authority by leveraging the association's name without legal standing. If approved, the new circular will replace the current regulations established in 2011. The Ministry noted that the existing rules have revealed several limitations, including insufficient coordination mechanisms between families and schools, inconsistent management and use of voluntary contributions, and instances of improper fundraising and collection in some areas. The ongoing reforms in school governance and digital transformation also necessitate clearer coordination mechanisms. Information source: VnExpress