In brief
Chou Tai-ying, a coach at the university, has formally apologized after allegations surfaced claiming that students were pressured to participate in blood donations to support her sports team, risking their academic standing.
The saga began when Taiwanese politician Chen Pei-yu disclosed that students were coerced into giving blood, threatening academic credits for non-participation. An inquiry at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) found that blood collection, which took place from 2019 to 2024, was part of various research projects. Chou, 61, expressed regret for "placing any pressure on the school and the students" and admitted to asking students who were unqualified to assist in blood withdrawal. In a statement released, she stated, "It is definitely my fault for making you feel the way you did."Professor Chen Hsueh-chih, who led one of the research projects, also issued an apology, acknowledging the unintended harm caused to student-athletes and their families, even as the original intent was to support them. Reports claimed that students were collected blood samples frequently, often on a daily basis, with many samples later discarded due to issues identified in the blood-drawing process.Chen Pei-yu raised concerns that players were required to give up to three samples daily for two weeks. The NTNU principal, Wu Cheng-chi, extended apologies for the apparent negligence of the institution and confirmed a review of ethics and oversight procedures. Furthermore, Taiwan's deputy education minister indicated that the case would undergo an evaluation of both Chou and Chen's actions.In a related development, the education ministry announced a potential revocation of the coaching license for a separate women's football coach at NTNU, without providing further details.
