Editorial | Fair education must be the right of all
- Identity theft scandal in mainland Chinese college entrance exams underlines how important it is to ensure that such injustices are rooted out if society is to advance
The incident that brought the crime to light occurred 16 years ago, when a farmer’s daughter from a poor family sat the exam but failed to hear back from her desired college. Her life took a predictable course of low-paid jobs, but through hard work, she became a kindergarten teacher. Only recently, when applying for an online course, did she find out that she had actually attained the necessary score for admission and that her identity and place had been taken by another person. The fraud had involved paying off officials and dozens have now been punished, including the woman behind the theft, who had become a civil servant. Scores of other investigations are under way and loopholes are claimed to have been closed.
The gaokao offers a life-changing opportunity. Identity theft robs people of a better education, but also prevents the nation from making use of the talents of its best students. Ensuring fairness in education and rooting out such injustices has to be a priority.