Student Sit-in Protest at Dongduk Women's University, Partial Resumption of In-Person Classes

In-Person Classes for Painting and Vocal Music Majors under the College of Arts
Student Council Plans to Hold General Assembly on 'Engineering Conversion'

As the sit-in protest by students opposing the transition to coeducation continues, Dongduk Women's University has resumed in-person classes that had been suspended.

According to Yonhap News Agency citing Dongduk Women's University on the 19th, in-person classes for the Painting and Vocal Music majors under the College of Arts were held from the morning. The classes reportedly proceeded without major disruptions such as clashes. Previously, students had occupied school buildings and halted lectures, leading to a shift to online classes.

On the morning of the 19th, signs opposing the transition to engineering were posted at Dongduk Women's University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, as students continue to protest against the university's reported discussion of switching to an engineering focus. Photo by Yonhap News

A representative from Dongduk Women's University told Yonhap News Agency, "The College of Arts has many practical courses, so classes were conducted," adding, "There is no plan yet to resume classes by department."

On the same day, Dongduk Women's University announced under the name of the Emergency Countermeasures Committee Chair that it would strictly respond to infringements on the right to education and property damage. Faculty and staff also issued a statement supporting the school.

There are also students who oppose the aggressive protests by the Student Council. A YouTube channel operated by current students uploaded videos stating, "We want to expose and publicize the irrational and illogical nature of the protesters," among other messages.

The videos include content such as, "Many students oppose violent protests but are afraid to speak out against the protesters," and "We want to clarify that the protests do not represent the views of all Dongduk Women's University students."

Meanwhile, the Student Council plans to hold a general student meeting at 2 p.m. on the 20th to gather students' opinions and convey them to the university administration regarding the 'transition of Dongduk Women's University to coeducation.'

The Student Council stated via social media (SNS), "The university administration expressed doubts about whether the direction of the student council's actions reflects the opinions of all students," and added, "We aim to accurately and objectively confirm and convey students' opinions on the transition to coeducation."