Egypt's Minister of Education and Technical Education, Mohamed Abdel-Latif, has issued a directive ordering all schools nationwide to expel any student who films a teacher on campus for a full academic year. This move aims to shield teachers from public humiliation and enforce stricter discipline in classrooms nationwide. The directive, issued under Ministerial Decree 150 of 2024, applies to students who use phones, cameras, or other recording devices to film teachers with intent to insult, bully, or circulate footage online.
The penalty for filming teachers mirrors disciplinary measures outlined in the Student Conduct Code, which governs student behavior nationwide. According to the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, preserving teachers' standing, dignity, and respect, alongside maintaining a disciplined school environment, is a foundational pillar of the educational process. This directive is part of a wider ministry campaign to enforce stricter discipline and protect teachers from public humiliation.
The order follows a series of circulars issued this year to tighten oversight of classroom conduct, including directives to strengthen safety measures across private international schools. Since taking office, Abdel-Latif has overseen a broader crackdown on discipline in schools, including a ban on late-stage transfers into international curricula and tighter rules on attendance and exams. The ministry views these measures as essential to restoring discipline in schools nationwide.
This move aligns with a broader state push against unauthorized filming and the circulation of footage online. The Ministry of Education and Technical Education has repeatedly sought to curb classroom violence in recent years, including launching a national campaign against bullying in 2025. This campaign was initiated in collaboration with the social solidarity and childhood ministries following a wave of viral assault videos that put pressure on officials to act.
The filming ban adds to the existing measures aimed at maintaining discipline and order in schools. Under the Student Conduct Code, schools are empowered to take disciplinary actions against students who engage in behavior that disrupts the educational environment or infringes on the rights of others. By expelling students who film teachers with malicious intent, the ministry aims to create a safer and more respectful learning environment.
Egypt's education sector has faced challenges related to bullying and classroom violence. The Azhar Observatory has warned that school bullying can lead to rising divorce rates and susceptibility to extremism among victims. In response, the government has toughened penalties for sexual harassment and bullying, reflecting a broader effort to address these issues.
The Ministry of Education and Technical Education continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline and respect in schools. With the implementation of this directive, students, teachers, and parents are expected to adhere to stricter guidelines governing behavior on campus. The ministry's efforts aim to promote a positive and productive learning environment, free from disruptions and disrespect.
Key points
- Egypt's Ministry of Education has ordered a year-long expulsion for students who film teachers on campus with intent to insult, bully, or post footage online.
- The directive aims to shield teachers from public humiliation and enforce stricter discipline in classrooms nationwide.
- The measure is part of a broader effort to address bullying and classroom violence in Egypt's education sector.
