CHIAYI (TVBS News) — A Chiayi City councilor on Wednesday (Dec. 11) criticized a high school principal for making gender-stereotypical remarks, sparking a debate over gender equality in education. The controversy began when Chiayi Girls' Senior High School (國立嘉義女子高級中學) Principal Lin I-tung (林義棟) announced plans to admit 30 male students in 2025, citing their supposed advantage in math and science.
Lin commented during the school's anniversary sports day, hoping to leverage the male students' strengths to boost female students' academic performance. The remarks drew backlash from students and alums, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the principal's views. Councilor Molly Yen (顏翎熹) criticized Lin on Facebook, stating that it was disappointing to hear such gender stereotypes from a women's school principal.
Yen also revealed that she had received complaints about needing prior discussion with student bodies and inadequate campus facilities, such as restrooms, dormitories, and swimming pool showers, to accommodate male students. Yen urged parents and students opposed to the admissions policy to contact her, promising to forward their concerns to local legislators or the school.
Meanwhile, artist Ili Cheng shared students' posts from Threads on Facebook, asserting that female students are not inferior to their male counterparts. In a media interview, Lin clarified that his Sports Day remarks had been misinterpreted and taken out of context. He emphasized that the school prioritizes students' rights and considers the school's development and sustainability. Lin added that the school would only comment further once the relevant authorities had decided.
