KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — A solemn graduation ceremony at Kaohsiung City Open University turned into a scene of public protest when a female graduate, surnamed Wang, knelt before Deputy Mayor Li Huairen and submitted a petition accusing the university of mishandling a sexual harassment complaint. Wang claims she was verbally harassed by a faculty member for over two years, leaving her emotionally distressed and seeking psychiatric treatment.
Wang alleged that a teacher, identified by the surname Huang, repeatedly introduced her in class as a “single mother” and once publicly asked if she had ever worn a bikini—remarks she described as humiliating and inappropriate. She said the persistent comments caused her significant mental anguish, especially as she was navigating life as a single parent and dealing with pregnancy during her studies.
According to Wang, from the second semester of academic year 111 to the first semester of academic year 113, Huang made repeated remarks about her personal life, including questioning the identity of her child’s father and mocking her in front of classmates. She also accused Huang of making disparaging remarks about her political views and campaign materials during a class representative election and alleged that he accepted red envelopes from students—behavior she viewed as unethical.
In response, Kaohsiung Open University acknowledged receiving Wang’s formal complaint in December of last year. The university stated that it immediately reported the matter to the Ministry of Education and convened a Gender Equality Committee. An investigative team was formed in January, and both parties were required to present their accounts. Due to Wang’s pregnancy and childbirth, the investigation experienced a one-month delay but has since held four meetings. A decision is expected within two weeks. Meanwhile, allegations unrelated to sexual harassment have been referred to the city’s Political Ethics Department for further review.
Teacher Huang has firmly denied the allegations, calling them baseless. He stated that as someone raised by a single parent himself, he understands the sensitivity of such matters and would not make disparaging comments. Regarding the bikini remark, Huang claimed the accusation was fabricated. He added that he had supported Wang during her studies, even allowing her to bring her children to class and occasionally offering them snacks. “I’ve been under investigation for eight months and have cooperated fully. I believe I’ve done nothing wrong,” he said.
The case has sparked debate about campus safety, power dynamics in adult education settings, and the university’s responsibility to create a respectful learning environment. The university emphasized that all procedures are being handled in accordance with the law and promised to disclose the outcome of the investigation once finalized.
