Comments Opposing 'Engineering Transfer' Continue on Dongduk Women's University SNS
As news spread that Dongduk Women's University was discussing a transition to coeducation, students have strongly opposed the move. Although the university maintains that the transition has not been finalized, voices opposing coeducation are growing louder on Dongduk Women's University's official social media (SNS).
Students opposing the discussion to transition Dongduk Women's University to a coeducational system protested on the morning of the 12th by blocking the doors inside the main building of Dongduk Women's University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 13th, numerous comments opposing the university's discussion of transitioning to coeducation appeared on Dongduk Women's University's official Instagram.
They wrote comments such as, "The existence of women's universities in Korea is very symbolic and important," "We oppose the transition to coeducation. We will continue the footsteps that countless women have built," "What is gained by transitioning to coeducation when the response is like this? Isn't it shameful? If women's universities are considered sexist, then create men's universities. There is no reason for women's human rights and educational rights to be denied due to claims of sexism," and "As an alumna, I will stand in solidarity with the students currently enrolled until the end." Some netizens also expressed opposition by using the hashtag '#WeWillNotOpenEvenIfWeDisappear.'
Earlier, on the 7th, news that the Dongduk Women's University faculty committee was discussing a transition to coeducation spread online, fueling student dissatisfaction. The Dongduk Women's University student council 'Naran' issued a statement the next day demanding the withdrawal of the reckless coeducation transition and hoping that such absurd matters would never be raised again.
Students opposing the discussion to transition Dongduk Women's University to a coeducational system hold placards at a press conference held in front of the main building of Dongduk Women's University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News.
However, Dongduk Women's University stated that the transition to coeducation is just one idea that emerged during the process of establishing the school's development plan. On the 12th, President Kim Myeong-ae of Dongduk Women's University explained in a statement, "At the September 27 meeting of the University Vision Innovation Promotion Team, we decided to review development plans for our university's specialized fields, the College of Design and the College of Performing Arts. On November 5, after discussions among professors from each college, development plans for the College of Design and the College of Performing Arts were announced." She added, "Among the development plans presented at this meeting, the issue of transitioning to coeducation was included, and it was agreed that this matter requires a process of gathering opinions." She further stated, "Subsequently, on November 12, after reporting to and discussing with the faculty committee, we planned to proceed with a process of gathering opinions from all members."
President Kim said, "The transition to coeducation cannot be unilaterally pursued by the school; gathering opinions and communication with members are essential procedures," adding, "However, even though this matter has not yet been formally proposed, violent incidents among students began on the afternoon of November 11, before the faculty committee meeting." He expressed deep regret, saying, "I am very saddened that such violent incidents are occurring at a university, where a place for dialogue and debate should be established as intellectuals." He concluded, "We will respond to the current situation and discuss the future direction regarding the agenda of transitioning to coeducation and inform you accordingly."
Meanwhile, Dongduk Women's University is reportedly switching to online classes as normal lectures have become difficult to conduct.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
