Taichung Campus Sexual Assault and Public Sector Sexual Harassment Cases: NPP Demands Resignation of Two Bureau Chiefs

Central News Agency (Reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, 14th) The New Power Party (NPP) and other political parties protested today at the Taichung City Government Plaza, pointing out that Education Bureau Chief Chiang Wei-min and Transportation Bureau Chief Yeh Chao-fu were reprimanded and impeached by the Control Yuan, demanding that Chiang Wei-min and Yeh Chao-fu resign and take responsibility. Yeh Chao-fu stated that he respects the Control Yuan and will cooperate with the process. NPP Chair Wang Wan-yu, along with NPP Taichung City Councilor candidate Tsou Ming-yen and Obasan Alliance for Citizen Participation Taichung City Councilor candidate Tsai Pei-shan, went to the Taichung City Government Plaza this morning to protest. They demanded that Yeh Chao-fu take responsibility for inadequate supervision regarding a sexual harassment case within his bureau, and that Chiang Wei-min take responsibility for campus baseball coaches involved in sexually assaulting dozens of children, and called on the city government to propose a comprehensive reform plan for its gender equality mechanism. Wang Wan-yu explained that during Chiang Wei-min's tenure, the Education Bureau was twice reprimanded by the Control Yuan, and the coach qualification verification was not properly implemented in the baseball coach sexual assault case, calling his 'voluntary disciplinary action' a mere show. Yeh Chao-fu, on the other hand, condoned the sexual harassment of female employees by the former director of the Public Transportation and MRT Engineering Department for two years, yet remained in his position as bureau chief after being impeached by the Control Yuan. Wang Wan-yu stated that Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has always called herself the 'Mom Mayor,' even using the slogan 'Mom Mayor' in her election campaign. She said that elections are not just about shouting slogans, and as a mother, how could she accept so many children being sexually assaulted and then completely failing to act afterwards? This is unacceptable to everyone. Wang Wan-yu pointed out that the appeal today is to hope that the responsible personnel will bear substantive responsibility and should resign. At the same time, she believes that the investigation process should be as complete as possible, and whether there are still children who have not been contacted should be taken seriously. In addition, the city government should specifically propose how to improve and make commitments, and everyone should follow up together. Yeh Chao-fu, after attending the city council meeting this morning, told the media that he respects the Control Yuan's exercise of its powers, and will cooperate by providing information when the case is transferred to the Disciplinary Court. All processes are transparent, and he will fully cooperate. The Taichung City Government also responded, stating that for any form of sexual harassment and campus gender equality incidents, the city government adheres to a 'zero tolerance' principle, with protecting the rights of victims as its top priority. Any violations or dereliction of duty will be strictly investigated according to procedures and held accountable by law, with no leniency. The city government also continues to improve the efficiency of complaint reporting processes and strengthen gender equality education in schools and public sectors, enhancing prevention and handling capabilities from a systemic perspective. (Edited by Li Shu-hua) 1150414