University to terminate coach due to ethical infringement
National Taiwan Normal University Dismisses Women's Soccer Coach for Ethical Violations
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) has taken a decisive action against Chou Tai-ying, its long-standing women's varsity soccer coach, following allegations of ethical violations and coercion. The university's Faculty Evaluation Committee voted to dismiss Chou and ban her from teaching for four years.
The dismissal was based on evidence of Chou's improper handling of blood sampling for research projects involving student athletes. From 2019 to 2024, Chou is accused of coercing students to participate in these research projects without fully explaining the purpose of the blood tests or obtaining their informed consent. Some students were even threatened with expulsion or withholding of credits if they refused to give blood samples13.
The university's three-tier faculty evaluation process, which includes reviews at the department and college levels, was initiated as a result of these allegations. The final review, held yesterday, was the culmination of this process. Although an earlier disciplinary recommendation was a salary freeze and suspension for two years, the university-level meeting resulted in her dismissal and a four-year prohibition on rehiring, in accordance with Taiwan's Teachers’ Act1.
The research projects, which focused on determining the impact of sports apparel and treatment methods on athletes' recovery, required each player to give three blood samples per day for 14 consecutive days. Chou is also accused of instructing senior students without medical licenses to help carry out the blood sampling, which clearly breached regulations1.
The case also involved considerations of bullying and breaches of academic ethics. Chou is reported to have repeatedly bullied and demeaned students during her tenure as coach1.
The dismissal decision will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval and execution. It is worth noting that dismissed faculty members, according to the education ministry, cannot apply for pension benefits. The outcome of the dismissal could result in Chou losing her pension1.
This decision comes after a period of public outrage following the university's initial decision not to dismiss Chou. The university was prompted to hold another review in response to these concerns1.
Chou, 61, is a former national team player who led Taiwan to three consecutive Asian Cup titles in 1977, 1979, and 1981. She has served as head coach of the university's women's soccer team since 20041.
This decision by National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) extends beyond the realm of sports, as it also involves education-and-self-development and general-news, given the ethical violations and coercion Chou Tai-ying, the former women's soccer coach, is accused of. The university's ambitious research projects, aimed at studying the impact of sports apparel and treatment methods on athletes' recovery, have been tarnished by allegations of breaches in academic ethics and improper handling of student athletes.
