University terminates contract of ex-soccer coach involved in blood drawing incident
NTNU Dismisses Former Women's Soccer Coach Chou Tai-ying for Coercion and Ethical Violations
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) has taken decisive action against former women's soccer coach Chou Tai-ying, dismissing her from her position and barring her from teaching at the university for four years [1][2][3][5]. The decision comes after a thorough investigation and review by the university's Faculty Evaluation Committee.
The committee found that Chou had coerced student athletes into providing blood samples for research projects without proper consent [2]. She allegedly threatened students with loss of course credits and isolation in order to force them to comply [2]. The committee classified the case as a "severe campus bullying case" due to the unequal power dynamics, number of student victims, and impact on students' physical and mental health, and their right to education [2][3].
Chou admitted that blood samples were sometimes taken by individuals who were not medical professionals, which was illegal [2]. The university emphasized that her actions broke ethical standards, damaged student self-esteem, and harmed the school's reputation [3].
Following the dismissal decision, NTNU will submit its report to the Ministry of Education for final approval and enforcement [1][2]. The Ministry had previously rejected the university’s initial lenient discipline, stating the misconduct warranted dismissal under the Teacher’s Act [3]. Blood samples collected improperly were ordered destroyed by investigating officers, while other personnel involved in related research projects face separate investigations [3].
Chou had been the head coach of the women's soccer team at NTNU since 2004, making this dismissal notable given her long tenure [4]. The case highlights issues of ethical conduct, student rights, and the responsibilities of educators in research practices.
In addition to the dismissal, the education ministry revoked Chou's coaching license and fined the university NT$1.1 million (US$33,687), ordering it to relaunch its faculty review process [1]. The Chinese Taipei Football Association also revoked Chou's coaching license over her involvement in the case [1].
The decision to dismiss Chou and bar her from teaching was made by the Faculty Evaluation Committee after a three-stage faculty evaluation process [1][2][3]. A majority of the committee members voted in favor of the decision by secret ballot [1]. The former NTNU women's soccer coach, Chou Tai-ying, has been dismissed from the school.
The decision to dismiss Chou Tai-ying, the former NTNU women's soccer coach, was a result of her ethical violations and coercion towards student athletes, leading to a severe campus bullying case. This incident has sparked discussions on education-and-self-development, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards in general-news contexts. Furthermore, the revocation of Chou's coaching license in sports, specifically football, underscores the consequences of crime-and-justice misconduct within educational institutions.
