TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) took decisive action on Wednesday (July 16) against National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU, 台師大), following reports that a coach compelled female soccer team members to participate in mandatory blood testing. Officials levied a substantial NT$1.1 million fine (approximately US$37,543) against the university after investigations revealed serious campus bullying infractions and violations of research ethics protocols. Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) expressed profound regret regarding the incident during a press briefing, underscoring his ministry's unwavering dedication to protecting student welfare and preventing potential harm during academic research activities.
Deputy Education Minister Chu Chun-chang (朱俊彰) issued a stern rebuke of the coach's actions during the same press conference. He vowed that ministry officials would monitor the university's handling of the case to guarantee appropriate protection of student rights and proper accountability for all parties involved. The controversy began unfolding last November when NTNU administrators established an internal bullying investigation committee that initially recommended a severe two-year dismissal for the coach. Student protests erupted after a subsequent university review on June 11 significantly reduced the disciplinary measures to a mere suspension from coaching responsibilities and administrative functions. This decision was widely perceived as inadequate given the serious nature of the allegations.
Education officials, citing details from an NTNU press statement, have assembled a specialized campus bullying review committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive examination of the university's handling of the case and subsequent disciplinary decisions. This oversight body maintains authority to remand the case back to the university for complete reassessment should it discover any procedural irregularities or improper actions. Ministry representatives have initiated direct contact with students affected by the incident to provide appropriate support services. During the press briefing, Deputy Minister Chu revealed that a separate investigation into research ethics violations connected to the blood testing had concluded in November of last year, resulting in substantial NT$500,000 penalties (approximately US$17,065 each) imposed against the research project's lead investigator, co-investigator, and the university itself on May 19.
As part of its disciplinary response, the ministry has directed NTNU to implement an immediate moratorium on launching any new research projects and mandated the submission of a comprehensive improvement plan within a three-month timeframe. Education officials have further instructed the university's internal ethics evaluation committee to conduct a thorough review specifically addressing the coach's research ethics violations. The investigation has expanded through a newly formed joint task force between the Ministry of Education and the National Science and Technology Council (國科會), Taiwan's primary research funding agency, to examine potential systemic issues. Officials noted that criminal proceedings remain a possibility if the ongoing investigation uncovers evidence of additional misconduct or legal infractions. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.3)