NTNU students meet with MOE regarding compulsory blood donations
In a shocking turn of events, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) finds itself at the centre of a scandal involving forced blood donations by a women's football coach, Zhou Tai-ying. The scandal came to light when a student, surnamed Jian, revealed that students were coerced into donating blood under the threat of not graduating or facing expulsion if they refused.
The allegations have raised severe ethical concerns, with the practice of linking blood donations to the 32 academic credits required for graduation being a particular point of contention. This coercive practice has sparked outrage and led to a significant response from the university and the education sector.
The blood drawn from students was reportedly used for "on-campus research experiments" by untrained personnel. The specific use of the blood and its management and storage remain unclear. However, the primary concern remains the unethical manner in which the blood was obtained.
Following the public outcry, Coach Zhou Tai-ying was dismissed from his position at NTNU. Yet, there is no specific information on whether his coaching license has been revoked. The Education Ministry has been involved in addressing the situation, but details about legal or licensing actions against the coach beyond his dismissal are not clearly outlined in available reports.
In response to the scandal, Taiwanese authorities are considering legal actions against the coach for violating ethical standards and potentially endangering students' health. The Ministry of Education (MOE) is assembling an investigative force to probe complaints about forced blood donations by female soccer players and students at NTNU.
NTNU is also reviewing its internal policies to prevent similar coercion in the future. The university and relevant authorities are providing support and resources to the students affected by these practices. The MOE will provide counseling and legal assistance for the victims.
Minister of Education Chien called for an independent and open investigation, urging the ministry to respect the victims regarding the terms of compensation. A university investigation has confirmed that a soccer team coach coerced players to participate in a blood sampling research project, with three-times-a-day blood drawing for 14 consecutive days for years.
The research project was conducted by the National Science and Technology Council (NTSC). Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Fan Yun has called for an investigation into the scandal and the cancellation of all blood research from the NTSC.
The incident at NTNU has highlighted the need for rigorous oversight to prevent such abuses of power and trust. Further investigation and legal action may be necessary to address the full scope of the violations and ensure accountability. As the situation unfolds, the university, the MOE, and the relevant authorities are working diligently to address the concerns and provide justice for the victims.
- The allegations surrounding the NTNU scandal have extended beyond academic misconduct, involving medical-conditions as the blood drawn from students was used for on-campus research experiments by untrained personnel, raising concerns about health-and-wellness.
- The political sphere has also been impacted, with Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Fan Yun calling for an investigation into the scandal and the cancellation of all blood research from the National Science and Technology Council (NTSC).
- Amidst the general-news coverage of the scandal, the focus has shifted towards ensuring science is conducted ethically, and fitness-and-exercise routines do not involve coercion or endanger the health of participants.
