Chou Tai-ying, a coach at Taiwan's National Taiwan Normal University, has come under scrutiny after allegations of pressuring students to donate blood for research projects emerged. After a formal apology and an internal investigation, the focus now shifts to ethical practices in sports and academic environments.
Taiwanese University Coach Faces Backlash Over Blood Donation Scandal
Taiwanese University Coach Faces Backlash Over Blood Donation Scandal
A sports coach at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei has issued an apology after allegations arose regarding coercive blood donations from students for research.
A coach at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) in Taipei, Taiwan, has publicly apologized amid serious allegations involving the coercion of students into donating blood for research purposes. Chou Tai-ying, 61, admitted that her intention was to support her sports team, which was often lacking in players due to injuries. However, details surrounding the specific use of the blood samples remain unclear.
The situation was brought to light in 2024 by Taiwanese politician Chen Pei-yu, who claimed students were informed that failing to participate in the blood donation would result in a loss of academic credits. An internal investigation was launched, revealing that blood sampling had begun as early as 2019 and continued into 2024 under various research projects associated with the university's athletics program.
Chou acknowledged her role in the controversy, stating she asked some students without the required qualifications to assist in withdrawing blood. In a statement reported by Taiwan's Focus News agency, she expressed remorse for any pressure placed on the students, calling her words and actions "reckless." Her public admission included an apology directed toward the students and their experiences.
Professor Chen Hsueh-chih, who led one of the projects, also extended his regrets, clarifying that the initiative aimed to support student athletes but inadvertently caused distress to the participants and their families. Findings from the investigation revealed that students had been giving blood once daily, yet the samples were discarded due to improper collection methods. Contrarily, Chen Pei-yu had initially alleged that student-athletes were required to provide three samples daily for 14 consecutive days over several years.
NTNU's principal, Wu Cheng-chi, expressed regret for what he termed the university’s negligence and promised a thorough review of the institution’s ethical regulations and oversight protocols. In parallel, Taiwan's deputy education minister confirmed that the case would be investigated, including the conduct of both Chou and Chen. Moreover, the education ministry announced considerations for revoking the coaching license of another NTNU women's football coach implicated in this ongoing inquiry.
