Taiwan's Control Yuan Impeaches 3 Professors for Sexual Misconduct; University Confirms Dismissals

Taiwan's Control Yuan has impeached three professors from National Changhua University of Education's Department of Counseling and Psychology for alleged sexual harassment and assault. The impeachment follows a significant sexual misconduct case that has shaken the institution.

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The Control Yuan today (18th) held a press conference to impeach 3 professors involved in a major gender equality case at National Changhua University of Education.

In response, the university issued a statement confirming that all four individuals involved, the three professors and one additional teacher, have been dismissed from their positions. The university emphasized that none of the accused are currently teaching at the institution. They also outlined steps taken to improve prevention mechanisms, including establishing a special counseling project and conducting awareness seminars, in line with Ministry of Education guidelines.

Control Yuan members Chi Hui-jung and Yeh Ta-hua detailed the accusations against the impeached professors, Chang Ching-jan, Huang Tsung-chien, and Wang Chih-hung, stating they were impeached yesterday and referred to the Disciplinary Court. A fourth individual, a teacher surnamed Wang, was also implicated for alleged sexual suggestive invitations but was not included in the impeachment as they held no administrative position, making them ineligible under the Civil Service Employment Act. The Control Yuan strongly criticized the department for allegedly exploiting a "professional hierarchy" through a mentor-student system, enabling the alleged misconduct. They highlighted that student complaints dating back to 2011 were reportedly ignored by the university administration, leading to over a decade of suffering for victims and a severe breach of institutional trust.

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Upon learning of teachers involved in gender equality incidents, the school prudently handled the matter with the principle of not wrongly accusing or letting go, and promptly punished and dismissed them after investigation confirmed the facts.

Furthermore, the Control Yuan pointed to serious administrative oversights, including a seven-month delay in transferring the confirmed investigation report to the prosecutor's office. National Changhua University of Education acknowledged the Control Yuan's findings and criticisms, stating they are committed to a thorough and proactive approach to handling such sensitive cases. The university reiterated its policy of strict disciplinary action, including dismissal, upon confirmation of wrongdoing. They pledged to continue improving their systems and cooperating with the Ministry of Education to foster a safe and equitable educational environment.

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The department used the master-apprentice system to form a 'professional giant tower,' and students had already reported issues as early as 2011, but the school ignored notification regulations, causing students to endure for over 10 years, leading to serious institutional betrayal.