"Can't Concentrate in Class"... Controversy Over Guide Dog Refusal at Regional National University

A professor at Kangwon National University has sparked controversy by refusing entry to a guide dog accompanying a visually impaired student. Critics point out that this right has not been properly upheld, even though current laws guarantee guide dogs access to public places.

Guide dog image to aid understanding of the article. Unrelated to the article. Asia Economy DB

According to a report by JTBC on September 19, a visually impaired student named Heo, who attends Kangwon National University, lives with a guide dog named Uju but was unable to bring the dog to Professor A's class. Heo said, "During the first class, the professor said, 'Other students can't concentrate because they're looking at the guide dog,' and did not allow entry."

As a result, Heo had to attend classes alone for an entire semester, leaving the guide dog in the department office. Articles 13 and 14, Paragraph 1 of the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities and Remedies state that educational institutions must not refuse the presence of assistance dogs without just cause. However, this right was not guaranteed in Professor A's classroom.

Another visually impaired student in the same department, surnamed Jeong, also had to give up taking Professor A's class for similar reasons. Due to limited vision, Jeong found it difficult to take notes and requested permission to record the lecture, but the request was denied by Professor A.

The school's response has also become an issue. The Disability Support Center at Kangwon National University reportedly told the affected students, "Since the professor teaches your major, you will have to keep seeing them, so it won't help to get on their bad side," which has led to further controversy over secondary victimization. Jeong claimed that the Disability Support Center told them, "Personally, I hope you don't take the class."

Regarding the incident, Professor A stated, "There are also the rights of other students to consider," and added, "I think this could negatively impact other students." On the subject of recording, the professor said, "I don't know if there are cases where recording is allowed."

The Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities stipulates that participation in on- and off-campus activities must not be restricted or denied on the basis of disability. The Korea Visually Impaired Family Association announced plans to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and to report the professor to local authorities for violating the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act.