TOKYO: Sweeping changes in Japan’s educational system are embodied in an order issued by the Supreme Commander, General Douglas MacArthur, today [Oct 23] aiming at uprooting from Japan the teaching of feudal militarism and “other disastrous ideologies and substituting instructions in the way of peace”.

Immediate abolition of military drill and ultra-nationalistic teaching is ordered and is to be replaced by courses in which representative government, international peace, dignity of the individual and human rights such as freedom of assembly, speech and religion will be taught.

The order also directs a comb-out of the teaching profession to eliminate militarists and extreme nationalists and requires teachers previously disarmed because of liberal views to be given preference for reappointment. Discrimination against any student or teacher on grounds of race, nationality, creed, politics or social position is prohibited. The order prescribes revision of textbooks and the teaching of the objectives and policies of the occupying authorities as well as the part played by Japan’s war-lords and collaborators in causing the country’s downfall.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2020