Professor "Hoped to Help with Employment and Interviews" Explains
School Launches Internal Investigation Amid Student Backlash
A professor at a university in Incheon has been accused of demanding excessive dress code requirements from students during presentation classes. As student backlash grew, the university reportedly launched an investigation into the matter.
On the 22nd, Yonhap News reported that "the student council of a university located in Incheon formally requested the school to investigate Professor A, who required specific attire during major-related presentation classes and announced that points would be deducted if the dress code was not followed."
In a vote conducted by the student council on the 19th, 2,257 out of 2,292 enrolled students (98.5%) supported a formal investigation. Subsequently, the university decided to conduct an internal investigation and take follow-up measures if any violations by Professor A are confirmed.
Students recently raised concerns about Professor A’s teaching methods on the university’s online community. According to the regulations announced by Professor A, the rules included △neat hair △mandatory makeup and wearing dress shoes △prohibition of glasses, partial hair dyeing, and loose clothing. Students claimed that the professor especially warned that "if you do not wear makeup or wear glasses during the presentation, you will receive a '0 score,'" emphasizing appearance management.
The major related to this course is known to often require wearing work uniforms at workplaces after graduation. Students are opposing the dress code on the grounds that it is an excessive regulation by Professor A. Additionally, there are claims that Professor A followed about 20 social media accounts related to female body exposure on social networking services (SNS).
Meanwhile, Professor A responded to the students’ claims by stating, "The dress code only applies to the graduation presentation evaluation held once every two years," and "I have never guided students on their appearance during regular classes."
He added, "The dress code was established with the hope that it would help students with employment or interviews," and "In fact, there has never been a case where a student received a zero score due to violating the dress code."
Regarding the SNS accounts pointed out by some students, he dismissed the claims, saying, "I was indiscriminately increasing followers for department promotion, and some inappropriate accounts were included by mistake." He requested, "This is a separate issue from the dress code. Please stop the indiscriminate slander."
According to the media, the university is currently conducting an internal investigation and plans to verify the specific facts.
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