Dongguk University Withdraws Lawsuit Against Students Who Opposed Coeducation Transition
Dongguk University has withdrawn all lawsuits against current students who staged a sit-in protest against discussions regarding the transition to coeducation last year.
This action comes about six months after the situation at Dongguk University was triggered.
On the 15th, the Emergency Response Committee of the 58th Student Council at Dongguk University announced via Instagram, "At 5:30 PM on the 14th, the President, Vice Presidents, and the Central Operation Committee gathered to discuss the final steps regarding the withdrawal of the criminal charges, and the university submitted the withdrawal of the lawsuit and a letter of non-punishment to the police."
The committee added, "The students' position statement and cooperation agreement discussed in that meeting will be posted along with the President's statement on the 15th." A representative from Dongguk University also communicated this news in an interview with Yonhap News, stating, "Both sides have formed a consensus that the longer the conflict persists, the more negatively it could impact the university's development. We hope this serves as an opportunity for better communication and smoother relations between the school and students."
Students who received the news of the lawsuit withdrawal also showed gestures of reconciliation. It is reported that the students conveyed a message to the school expressing their sincere regret and empathy regarding the wounds experienced by members of the university community.
President Kim Myung-ae of Dongguk University is expected to officially address students and university members regarding this matter later today.
Background and Progress of the Coeducation Transition Controversy
The controversy began last November when it was revealed that the university was preparing for a transition to coeducation without sufficient discussion.
In response, students occupied the main building for 24 days and continued vigorous protests, such as vandalizing campus facilities with lacquer paint.
At that time, the university claimed the damages resulting from the protest amounted to a maximum of 5.4 billion won, and the President filed a lawsuit against 21 individuals, including the student council president, for joint destruction of property, joint trespass, and obstruction of business. This lawsuit has now been withdrawn.
However, the police investigation against the students may still continue.
The charges of property damage and obstruction of business that the students are facing can lead to criminal penalties regardless of whether the victim seeks punishment, as these charges do not fall under the non-punishable offenses. Therefore, despite the university's withdrawal of charges, legal proceedings may still unfold.
The university's decision is interpreted as a willingness to resolve internal conflicts and seek solutions through dialogue.
Future discussions and outcomes regarding the coeducation transition between the university and students will be closely observed.
Image source: News1, Choi Hyun-a, President of the Dongguk University Student Council, along with students from the 58th Emergency Response Committee and lawyers from the Lawyers for a Democratic Society, hold a press conference announcing a campus petition condemning retaliatory legal actions and student rights violations in front of the Dongguk University main building in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on February 20. / News1
