Inha University "Ministry of Education, Fully Disclose Evaluation Materials"
Jeju Island and Ulleungdo Also Participate in 'Gwajam Protest'
On the morning of the 23rd, students' department jumpers were hung on the seats of the main auditorium of Inha University in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, where the '2021 University Basic Competency Diagnosis Fair Review Urging Press Conference' was held. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] "We cannot remain silent as the Ministry of Education demolishes the ivory tower of fairness built by countless seniors and juniors in one fell swoop, and remains silent without even explaining the reason." (Statement by the President of the Student Council at Inha University during the press conference on the 23rd)
Since the announcement of the results of the Ministry of Education's '2021 University Basic Competency Diagnosis' on the 17th, repercussions have continued. On the morning of the 23rd, the Inha University Student Council, Faculty Association, Labor Union, and Alumni Association held a press conference in the main auditorium on campus, shouting, "The Ministry of Education must stop stigmatizing Inha University as a failing institution."
Previously, Inha University stated that since being selected for ACE+ by the Ministry of Education in 2017, it has faithfully operated its curriculum according to the Ministry's guidelines up to this year. The university also obtained accreditation from the Korea Council for University Education, received an A grade in the Ministry-led University Innovation Support Project evaluation, and was selected for a nationwide top-tier project in the 4th phase of the BK21+ program.
Jeon Seung-hwan, President of the Inha University Student Council, said on the 23rd, "What Inha University students want is solely a fair evaluation and the clear and rational disclosure of evaluation criteria," adding, "If the Ministry of Education allows this unfair intrusion to continue, Inha University will remain forever branded with the Ministry's scarlet letter."
He continued, "The teaching we received from our teachers is that only effort without shortcuts proves value; what we inherited from our seniors is the achievement built with honest sweat; and what we will pass on to our juniors is only the ivory tower of fairness."
The Inha University Faculty Association also stated, "How can a school that received a perfect score in 'Educational Outcomes,' which uses student enrollment rates and graduate employment rates as diagnostic indicators, receive a failing diagnosis in 'Class and Curriculum Operation'?" They demanded, "To resolve such doubts and publicly confirm the fairness of this basic competency diagnosis, we request the Ministry of Education to fully disclose the evaluation data and criteria."
◆ On-site 'Truck Protest' in front of the Ministry of Education continues
Inha University students are holding a truck protest and an outdoor protest with eight people at the main gate 14-2 of the Ministry of Education building in Sejong City on the 23rd. / Photo by a reader
Inha University students have started one-person protests in Gwanghwamun following petitions to the national and Incheon city governments. From the 23rd to the 27th, a truck with a banner reading "Is it difficult to have clear evaluation criteria and transparent result disclosure?" has been stationed in front of the Ministry of Education building in Sejong City, demanding the disclosure of university evaluation criteria and results.
A protest official stated, "We have reported a gathering of up to 49 people in compliance with Sejong City's Level 3 social distancing guidelines," adding, "We are conducting on-site protests at the Sejong government complex while adhering to social distancing rules." It is known that the funds used for the protests are voluntarily raised by Inha University students and alumni.
Additionally, the university president and faculty association issued an emergency statement last week, and local district lawmakers, mom cafes, and regional civic groups have expressed support for the students' actions, expanding the scale of the movement. The Incheon city citizen petition surpassed 9,400 recommendations on the 23rd, setting a record for the highest public support in Incheon citizen petitions.
◆ On-campus 'Department Jumper Protest' also underway... Department jumpers sent from Ulleungdo and Jeju
On the 23rd, the 'GwaJam Protest' held at the main building of Inha University and the 'Online GwaJam Protest' taking place on social networking services (SNS) (from left). / Photo by reader and Instagram capture
Meanwhile, as Inha University students could not hold large-scale gatherings due to COVID-19, they are conducting a 'Department Jumper Protest' by displaying their department jumpers (gwajam) on campus.
Since the 20th, department jumpers have been displayed on chairs in the university auditorium, and as of 4 p.m. on the 23rd, more than 730 jumpers have been collected.
The 'jumper collection' is done by enrolled students visiting the school in person to submit their jumpers with their names and contact information in the pockets, or by appointing representatives in each region who collect jumpers at once. Students from regions relatively far from Inha University, such as Busan, Gwangju, Jeju, and Ulleungdo, are also participating in the 'jumper protest.'
For students who find it difficult to submit jumpers in person or who do not have jumpers due to graduation or other reasons, an 'online jumper protest' is also underway. It is known that students can access a webpage created by Inha University students to create online jumpers by selecting desired items or colors.
A student participating in the protest said, "Even though I live far away and cannot go to school in person, I feel good that I can support online like this," adding, "I hope the Ministry of Education comes up with a solution soon."
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