Full-Scale Response Against 'Opposition to Provincial College Integration'
The Geochang County Council in Gyeongnam announced a statement opposing the integration (structural reform) plan of Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College by Gyeongsangnam-do and declared their commitment to protecting Geochang College.
All members of the Geochang County Council, including Chairman Lee Hong-hee, stated on the 23rd, “The preliminary briefing session on structural reform held by Gyeongsangnam-do at Geochang College on the 12th was far from sufficient to alleviate the concerns of Geochang residents,” and emphasized, “According to the research commissioned by Gyeongsangnam-do, the content includes ‘integration of provincial colleges’ and ‘plans for utilizing campus idle spaces,’ which clearly indicates that the integration is being pursued as a premise.”
Group photo of the Gyeongnam Geochang County Council's declaration to "Protect the Provincial College".
They continued, “The integration promoted by Gyeongsangnam-do targets only administrative convenience and economic logic without considering the regional value and role of the school,” and expressed concern, saying, “At this critical time when all residents are working together to maintain the population of 60,000, we worry that such policy decisions may accelerate local extinction.”
They further demanded, “Gyeongsangnam-do should reconsider the structural reform discussions, respect the uniqueness of local colleges, and approach the matter in a direction that expands their roles,” calling for “an immediate halt to integration discussions including Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College,” “Governor Park Wan-su of Gyeongsangnam-do to clearly disclose the official stance on future plans,” and “establish a development foundation that allows both colleges to create synergy through collaboration before structural reform.”
All members of the Geochang County Council held a rally for one hour on the afternoon of the 22nd at the rotary in front of Geochang County Office, holding placards reading “Opposition to Provincial College Integration” and others.
The Geochang County Council plans to hold rallies three times a week for the time being, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the evening rush hour, at the rotary in front of the county office, Daedong roundabout, and the southern roundabout of Jungang Bridge.
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