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An elementary school in Pingtung recently hosted an event at which children lined up to pour water over a Buddha statue and pay respects, after which they were rewarded with treats. But parents were shocked after seeing the photos afterward, asking how their school seemed to become a worship venue.

Young students line up in a school courtyard. If you look closely at the front of the line, there’s a religious statue, the students take turns stepping forward to pay their respects. The sight left parents shaken.

Parent
Pingtung
At first I just saw a figurine and thought, “What on earth is that?” I don’t know why, but it seemed to be some kind of religious event. A lot of kids were lining up.

A parent who went to drop something off for their child witnessed the scene firsthand. After the students finished at the statue, they could go off to the side to get a cookie. Feeling that the playground had become a temple courtyard, she was upset.

Parent
Pingtung
Kids don’t know what they’re actually doing. They just know that if they participate and pour out water, they can get candy and treats. Of course they swarmed to line up like that! Plus, what if a kid is allergic to the treats they’re handing out?

This was at an elementary school in Pingtung City. As photos from the event began to circulate among parents, many were upset that the school didn’t communicate with them beforehand, exposing their kids to a religious practice without warning.

Chou Chih-jung
School director of student affairs
This was a moral education activity for Mother’s Day. We didn’t force anyone to participate. The goal was just to teach the students about having a good heart, doing good deeds, and speaking good words.

In response to the parental backlash, the Pingtung County Department of Education intervened to investigate. They said that while it was intended as a character-building exercise, schools must remain neutral, respect freedom of religion, and communicate better with parents to avoid misunderstandings.

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