TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) on Wednesday (Nov. 20) emphasized universities' autonomy in deciding whether to serve as locations for military reservist training, underscoring respect for university governance and responsibilities. His statement followed concerns raised in the Legislative Yuan over the military using National Chengchi University's (NCCU, 政治大學) facilities.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislator Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) questioned the Ministry of Education regarding the appropriateness of the military's use of university premises. Hung expressed worries about public concerns over the military's use of NCCU for reservist training, urging the ministry to advocate for universities. Cheng responded, stating that schools can independently decide whether to approve or reject such requests.
NCCU's website announced that from Nov. 25 to 29, the university will rent its Research, Innovation, and Incubation Center to Taipei City Reserve Command for military training activities. The announcement assured that the activities would not disrupt courses for students and faculty.
Cheng highlighted that the primary criterion for using school facilities is whether they interfere with teaching and learning. After assessing the situation, Cheng indicated intentions to provide further clarification to the legislator. The minister reiterated the universities' authority to determine their involvement in military training activities, affirming the respect for their governance.