An online community post reports that students at Seoul Women’s University have staged a “spray paint protest” in response to a professor who returned to teaching despite being disciplined for allegations of sexual harassment.
According to posts on social media, the university’s exterior walls have been marked with demands for the professor’s dismissal and stickers criticizing the school. Previously, this professor had been accused of inappropriate physical contact with students at a drinking party and was given a three-month suspension by the school in September last year. The professor has since resumed teaching a major-required course.
A student from the same department as the victim put up a poster after reading the victim’s statement but was sued for defamation by the professor. News of this lawsuit sparked widespread criticism within the university. Last month, students protested chanting, “Seoul Women’s University is not your private club. Ensure the safety and rights of students,” and called on the president to implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Students continued their protests this month using spray paint to write messages like “Stop sexual crimes,” “Punish the professor,” and “Silence = Complicity” on buildings and sidewalks. Additionally, stickers condemning the professor were plastered throughout the department building.
While some criticize the protest for damaging property and being aggressive, an anonymous student responded that quieter protests had already been attempted without success, stating, “For years, we’ve tried to voice our opinions using post-its, but the school remained silent.”
The student added, “Only after resorting to spray painting and sending condolence wreaths did the school finally respond.” Meanwhile, current students prepared messages of reassurance for prospective students visiting for entrance exams. Photos on X (formerly Twitter) showed notes accompanied by candy, with messages attached to restroom doors. These notes read, “There is a professor who has sexually harassed students, and there are protests with school jackets and flyers around campus. We hope our efforts to create a better school for future students don’t cause you too much concern.”