The Ministry of Education has issued a circular warning teachers and staff not to promote organizations or individuals who criticize government policies.

The ministry warned that any member of the staff found guilty of openly sympathizing with any such group would have their employment terminated and would be subject to legal action.

The new circular, signed off by Abdulrahman Al-Mudairis, director-general of the Directorate of Education in the Eastern Province, was disseminated to step up the war by the ministry against undercover organizations operating in the field of education to sway public opinion, according to ministry officials.

Officials stressed that the ministry is working hard to combat intellectual deviance by coming up with research papers, projects and activities to face this phenomenon, which is spreading among students.

The text alludes to a previous circular issued by Education Minister Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on a royal decree shedding light on organizations and forums within the Kingdom that aim to mobilize youth to achieve their objectives and warning legal action against employees who are sympathetic to deviant schools of thought or who criticize the state.

The ministry calls on authorities to educate employees about their responsibilities and warn them not to issue any statement that goes against the political or operational systems in place.
The ministry also called on authorities to raise awareness about the consequences of bearing affiliations to any such organization or subscribing to such thought.

The circular also said that staff should solely put forth suggestions and opinions that are conducive to the public interest via official channels.