Taiwan University Coach Under Fire for Coercive Blood Donations

In response to recent allegations, a coach from Taiwan has openly apologized for her role in a controversial blood donation project that involved students under coercive conditions. Chou Tai-ying, whose unethical actions were highlighted by local politician Chen Pei-yu, acknowledged the impact of her requests on the student body and committed to addressing the lapses within the university's oversight protocols.An internal investigation at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) revealed that blood sampling practices had begun in 2019 and continued into 2024. The project purportedly collected blood for various unspecified research initiatives but raised serious ethical concerns as many students reported pressure to participate, including threats of losing academic credits.“I’m truly sorry for the distress my actions caused you,” Chou stated in a public apology aimed at her students. Her admission followed claims that some athletes were coerced into providing blood samples daily over prolonged periods, which the investigation later deemed improper, particularly since the samples were discarded due to flawed procedures.Professor Chen Hsueh-chih, actively involved in one of the research projects, also offered his regret over the unintended harm inflicted on student athletes and their families, clarifying intentions behind the program.The principal of NTNU, Wu Cheng-chi, echoed those sentiments, apologizing for what he called the school's negligence while pledging to reassess the institution's ethical standards and oversight processes.Taiwan's deputy education minister announced that the actions of both Chou and Chen are under review, and the ministry may consider revoking the coaching license of an unnamed women's football coach at NTNU, indicating a broader concern regarding the treatment of student athletes within educational programs.