Justice Party "Full Refund of First Semester University Tuition Required Through 2nd Supplementary Budget"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Justice Party has come forward to advocate for the introduction of a 'COVID-19 Special Free Tuition'.

The Justice Party's Youth Election Countermeasures Headquarters, 'Youth Justice', demanded on the 2nd, "The government should implement the COVID-19 Special Free Tuition through the second supplementary budget and university authorities should disclose transparent information regarding the use of tuition fees."

They stated that the full tuition fees for the first semester should be refunded to students through national compensation. Youth Justice said, "The start of the semester in March was delayed, and all classes were replaced with remote lectures. Campuses were closed, making libraries and various convenience facilities inaccessible, and student autonomy and cultural events outside of classes were suspended," adding, "The sudden shift to remote lectures has caused a decline in the quality of education, and departments focused on practical training especially face difficulties in guaranteeing full learning rights."

They continued, "Now that universities are failing to fulfill their duties and roles, demands for tuition refunds are rising among students on each campus," emphasizing the need for drastic measures. They stressed, "While the entire first semester is being replaced with remote lectures across all universities, no one is addressing fundamental solutions."

They also proposed the formation of an educational stakeholder council, led by the Ministry of Education, to discuss measures for the second semester this year. This would involve participation from the government, university authorities, and student representatives.