Taiwan Ministry of Education to Address Allegations of Bullying by Sports Teacher at National Taiwan University of Sport
Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) issued an official apology on Monday and vowed to re-examine the case of a teacher accused of bullying students at National Taiwan University of Sport. This action follows the public attention drawn by Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislative caucus leader Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), who held a press conference with a former student, identified by his surname Wu (吳), claiming to be a victim of the teacher’s abusive behavior.
Bullying Allegations Surface at National Taiwan University of Sport
At the press conference, Huang presented the claims of Wu, a recent graduate, who alleged that the teacher in question, identified as Department Head Hung (洪), engaged in verbal abuse and physically threatening actions. These included sticking a knife into a desk and kicking down a door during classes.
Huang shared that numerous students under Hung’s supervision had either transferred schools or withdrawn from sports clubs due to his threatening behavior. The allegations have sparked significant concern about student safety and the abuse of power in educational institutions.
MOE Apologizes and Recommits to Investigation
Wu Lin-hui (吳林輝), head of the MOE’s Department of Student Affairs and Special Education, issued a public apology during the briefing, acknowledging the harm caused to the student and expressing regret for the situation. Wu confirmed that the case was first reported in May, but the MOE only responded formally in October.
Despite initial conclusions that the case did not meet the legal criteria for bullying, Wu admitted that the teacher’s conduct, particularly regarding emotional management and leadership, was inappropriate and violated the Teachers’ Act. However, he did not confirm whether the teacher remained employed at the university.
MOE to Reassess Investigation and Review Teacher’s Actions
The MOE has committed to re-examining the investigation and working with the university to conduct a faculty evaluation. The department is seeking to address the alleged bullying in a transparent and thorough manner.
The apology and renewed investigation come amid increasing scrutiny of bullying cases in Taiwan, including the recent dismissal of a Ministry of Labor official in connection with the suicide of a civil servant in October.
Table: Key Details of the Alleged Bullying Case
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Teacher | Department Head Hung (洪), National Taiwan University of Sport |
| Allegations | Verbal abuse, threatening actions (knife in desk, kicking door) |
| Victim | Former student Wu (吳), recent graduate |
| Initial Report Date | May (first report), October (MOE’s formal response) |
| MOE’s Stance | Apology, reevaluation of investigation, and faculty review |
| Educational Institution | National Taiwan University of Sport |
| Related Case | Ministry of Labor official dismissed over civil servant’s suicide (October) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the allegations against the teacher at National Taiwan University of Sport?
- The teacher is accused of verbal abuse and physical threats, including sticking a knife into a desk and kicking down a door. These actions allegedly caused many students to transfer or withdraw from sports clubs.
- Why was the Ministry of Education’s response delayed?
- The case was initially reported in May, but the MOE only provided a formal response in October, which sparked public criticism.
- What actions has the Ministry of Education taken in response to the allegations?
- The MOE has apologized, acknowledged the harm caused, and pledged to re-investigate the case, including convening a faculty evaluation to address the teacher’s actions.
- Is the accused teacher still employed at the university?
- The MOE has not confirmed if the teacher remains employed at the National Taiwan University of Sport but acknowledged that the teacher’s actions violated the Teachers’ Act.
- How does this case fit into the broader issue of bullying in Taiwan?
- This case is part of a broader series of bullying investigations in Taiwan, including a recent high-profile dismissal of a Ministry of Labor official in connection with a civil servant’s suicide.
Conclusion: Addressing Bullying in Taiwan’s Educational Institutions
The Ministry of Education’s apology and the renewed investigation into the bullying allegations at National Taiwan University of Sport demonstrate the growing commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students. Taiwan is facing increasing scrutiny over bullying in various sectors, and the MOE’s swift response to this case may set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.
For more updates on this issue and others, visit CialisWeb.tw.
