ADP warns about potential risks of the new Penal Code for teaching work
The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) has expressed its deep concern regarding certain articles of the new Penal Code, warning that the ambiguity in the wording of some terms could lead to the criminalization of the disciplinary and pedagogical measures that teachers apply in the daily exercise of their educational duties.
This position was presented during an analysis panel held at the union’s headquarters in Gazcue, where legal experts, legislators, and representatives of the Dominican educational system evaluated the impact that the new regulations would have on the school environment.
The necessary balance in penal reform
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP, emphasized that, although the teaching profession fully supports initiatives that seek to protect minors, it is imperative that legislation establish a clear distinction between what constitutes abusive behavior and the corrective tools necessary to maintain order and discipline in the classroom.
We understand that any penal reform must maintain a balance between the necessary protection of society and respect for the rights and guarantees established in the Constitution of the Dominican Republic.
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADPThe guild has been emphatic in pointing out that the objective of its observations is not to weaken student protection, but to ensure that educators are not left vulnerable to criminal proceedings for actions that are an essential part of their pedagogical work.
Technical debate on legislation
The meeting featured a panel of experts who broke down the scope of the reform, including:
- Deputy Wandy Modesto Batista.
- Trajano Vidal Potentini, president of the Bar Association of the Dominican Republic.
- Lawyer and professor José Vega.
- John A. Bello, legal consultant for the ADP.
The session, moderated by Nolberto Ortiz, Secretary of Finance of the ADP, served to reiterate that the teachers’ organization will keep the dialogue open with legislators. Since July 15, the ADP formally delivered a communication to the Chamber of Deputies detailing its concerns, always seeking for the new Penal Code to be a tool that guarantees safe school environments without undermining the professional authority of teachers.
