Dongdeok Women's University students protest against transition to co-ed university

Varsity jackets placed by students who oppose the conversion of coeducational school fill the main building of the Dongdeok Women’s University campus in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on November 12. Courtesy of Han Su-bin

Dongdeok Women's University in Seoul, South Korea, is facing fierce backlash after it was revealed that the university discussed “co-education” during a review of its development plan. The school said that “nothing has been decided,” but students are opposed to the idea of a possible conversion to a co-ed university. Tensions are also rising at the few remaining women's universities.

At Dongdeok Women's University, the campus was covered with protest signs written in red lacquer that read, “We absolutely oppose the conversion to co-ed without students' knowledge,” “It is admission fraud,” and other phrases posted by students. In front of the main building, hundreds of varsity jackets were spread out in protest, and more than 300 students dressed in black and masks stood holding hand signs that read, “University Headquarters withdraws conversion to co-ed school.

The situation began on November 7, when online communities reported that there was a discussion on the conversion to coeducation at Dongdeok Women's University. The student body, led by the General Student Association, demanded an explanation from the school, but when they did not receive a clear answer, they began occupying the school and boycotting classes on the 11th.

Student council pointed out in a statement on the 8th andcriticized the school for not asking them for their opinions on the co-education debate. “Despite the fact that the proposal is being discussed, the university headquarters has not said a single word until now. This is an act of disrespect for the 8000 Dongdeok students.”

Students argue for the necessity of women's colleges, citing the value of their existence and society's perception of women. They argue that the founding value of women's colleges, which provided a safe space for women to learn and avoid discriminatory gaze from men, is still valid today. In a situation where discriminatory prejudice and violence against women still persist, it is argued that women's universities are not only a space of physical safety, but also a place where women can feel psychologically secure and establish their identity as women.

“I came to Dongdeok Women's University because I wanted to come to a women's university, even though I was accepted to a co-educational university,” said Ms. A (20), a sophomore at Dongdeok Women's University. “I think the experience of learning and being a woman will be the basis for overcoming the current misogynistic era.” “In a situation where discrimination and violence against women, such as censorship against women suspected of being feminists and assaults on women with short haircuts, still persist, DongdeokWomen's University has been a relatively safe haven and a space of survival. To switch to a co-ed university on its own is contradictory to the school’s foundation purpose,” said Lee Song-hee, co-chair of the university's All-Out Response Committee, at a press conference.

Some say that the threats and ridicule directed at the protesting students are indicative of this reality. On the same day, a post on social media said, “I will carry out a stabbing at Dongdeok Women's University,” prompting police to launch an investigation. The previous day, a police officer who responded to the school had said, “Students should have children later in life and should not engage in such illegal behavior,” and was criticized by the public. The online community has been rallying around the idea that women's colleges are reverse discrimination and should be abolished.

The students' anger and anxiety have spread to other women's colleges. Duksung Women's University's student government expressed solidarity in a statement, saying, “It could be our job soon,” and “We strongly oppose the conversion to co-ed one.” Sungshin Women's University also held a “varsity jacket protest” against allowing foreign male students to enter the International Studies department.

Dongdeok Women's University said, “Nothing has been finalized,” and expressed its position to hold those responsible for the occupation accountable. In a statement, Kim Myung-ae, president of Dongdeok Women's University, said, “The issue of co-education has not yet been officially put on the agenda, but students have been protesting since the afternoon of the 11th,” adding, “We will discuss the issue of co-education and inform them of the future direction.” An official from Sungshin Women's University also said, “As interest in K-culture has increased recently, we only admit male students from abroad,” adding, “There has been no discussion about switching to co-ed school.”

According to the Ministry of Education, there are seven four-year women's universities in the country, including DongdukWomen's University, Sungshin Women's University, and Ewha Womens University.

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.