TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A scandal involving women's soccer players at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU, 台灣師範大學) who allegedly became unwilling test subjects in a blood-for-credits scheme has prompted government action. Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) will meet Thursday (July 17) with one of the affected students. Legislator Fan Yun (范雲) and representatives from the Humanistic Education Foundation (人本教育基金會), a prominent educational rights advocacy group, will also attend the meeting.
Fan revealed that team coach Zhou Tai-ying (周台英) conducted unauthorized blood experiments on players without obtaining proper consent, creating a system where athletes felt pressured to participate to receive course credits. Despite NTNU's public apology, Zhou's continued employment has sparked widespread public outrage. The Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) condemned Zhou's actions as both inappropriate and illegal, fining the university NT$1.1 million (approximately US$37,400) and the project leader NT$500,000 (about US$17,000).
A special MOE task force has been established to investigate the incident and will collaborate with affected students to develop improved oversight procedures for university research involving students. The ministry has promised to provide counseling services and legal assistance to the victims as part of its response. The student scheduled to meet with Deputy Minister Chang has acknowledged the ministry's punitive actions but is advocating for a comprehensive survey of all affected athletes to facilitate their academic reintegration and appropriate compensation for damages suffered. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.4)