China school washes hands off suicide blame, makes students sign commitment letters: Report

During the investigation it was found that the school had on December 23 held meetings about 'cherishing life', in all the classes and after the meeting concluded, all the students were made to sign the promise letters.

A school in China has landed in hot water after it made its students sign a written declaration which said that it wouldn't be responsible in any form if they ever kill (attempt suicide) or injure themselves.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post which quoted another Chinese publication, the incident came to light when a parent shared about the proposal, which was proposed by Shuizhai Middle School in Guangdong province's Wuhua county, on social media and also informed the authorities about it.

The local Education Department initiated a probe and issued a statement on December 25 after facing public pressure.

According to the publication's report, during the investigation it was found that the school had on December 23 held meetings about 'cherishing life' in all its classes.

After the meeting concluded, all the students were made to sign the promise letters.

According to SCMP, the letter read, "I promise I will always cherish life, and respect life. I will never give up my life for any reason. Instead, I will keep on fighting and working hard with an optimistic attitude."

It further read, "If I commit the action of self-injuring or suicide, it has nothing to do with the school. Myself, my parents or my guardians will not claim any loss or ask for any compensation from the school or school staff, nor will they disturb the school’s teaching."

Urging the school to withdraw the commitment letter and annul the promise it contained; its management was asked to explain the incident to students and their parents.

According to the report, the Education Department said, "In the future, we are planning to push all schools in the region to improve their methods of educational psychology and pay attention to students’ psychological well-being."

As the news about the letter spread online, netizens have reacted expressing disappointment regarding the school's decision.

According to SCMP, a social media user said, "This school has crossed all moral boundaries. Its actions are beyond my imagination."

Another said, "This kind of promise letter should absolutely be cancelled. Otherwise, there would be no humanity at school. The school should try to prevent tragedies like self-injury or suicide from happening rather than relying on a promise letter to shirk its responsibilities."