Posted on 04/15/2007 5:49:44 AM PDT by Ellesu
Some universities¡¯ decision to allow female students to be absent for classes during their menstruation period is stirring debate among professors and students.
After Chung-Ang University first decided last year to allow female students to be absent as long as they report they are suffering from menstruation to their professors, other major universities such as Kyung Hee University and Cheju National University adopted the system. This year, Yonsei and Sogang University followed with similar systems.
According to the schools, a maximum of two days¡¯ absence is allowed for a single period, and no more than four times in a semester is valid. Sogang University is requiring a medical certificate, while at Yonsei University, a student must download a format from the school¡¯s Web site and personally hand in the paper to the professor.
However, this system is bringing complaints from all sides _ even female students.
Some female students, who are supposed to benefit from the system, criticized that the program as too complicated for the people who are sick. ``In our society, it is not an easy thing for woman to talk about her menstrual period. Taking into account that most of the professors are male, handing in the paper and telling them that she¡¯s having her period is quite embarrassing,¡¯¡¯ a Yonsei university student said. She suggested the school implement an online application system.
Lee So-jin, a student of Sungshin Women¡¯s University, said that though the absence is pardoned, the student must still take full responsibility for missing a class and have to put in extra effort to catch up with the academic schedule. ``Schools uploading class materials on the Web site could solve the problem, I guess,¡¯¡¯ she said.
Male students are not happy, either. Though they understand that women are not in their best condition while having their menstrual period, male students point out that it could be seen as a form of a sexual discrimination.
They criticize that while many universities accept medical certification for pardon in case of serious illness, accepting menstruation as a separate case can be awkward.
``After all, there is no good way to check whether they really have their period, right?¡¯¡¯ Chung, a Yonsei University student, asked.
The possibility of abusing the system also worries the professors. A professor, who declined to be identified, said many students hand in the excuse slip when it rains or there are holidays the next day _ which is too much of coincidences.
``I still have to trust the students. If they are lying, then it is a big excuse for other students attending the class,¡¯¡¯ he said.
However, the system is expected to continue and be expanded to other schools. Sungshin Women¡¯s University said that more than 900 students a month benefited from the program and are satisfied with it.
Also, Rep. Shin Sang-jung of the Democratic Labor Party said that 56 percent of 700 adults were in favor of the system last month, saying that more universities must accept it.
``Menstruation is a natural thing, nothing to hide away from. If women want to use the system, they should be honest and confident in using them,¡¯¡¯ Prof. Cho Han Hye-jung of Yonsei University said.
There must be Democrats in China. This sounds like something they would come up with.
Actually, I think it’s Korea.
Absenses for menstruation and deer season should be allowed.
When I went to college, a semester was four months, like September, October, November and December. So aren't they really just saying two days off for every period that occurs during the semester?
It is a little unfair but, I’m not going to be the one to tell a menstruating woman what she’s doing is wrong. I value life too much.
Very smart man!!
Gimme a break.
I'll tell her.
So are these women going to expect to take off work for this reason every month for the rest of their lives?
Before I'm flamed, I'd like to add that I understand that some women have serious problems during that time. These are exceptions.
I'm a woman and I've had my share of monthly suffering, but sometimes we just have to get our work done with a headache or other suffering.
L
Seems reasonable to me.
:-)
For a college guy, the previously mentioned condition can come a great deal more often than that.
L
Obviously a compelling reason why women should not be put into positions of responsibility. I’m sure NOW would agree with this policy (/sarc)
No mercy for them, either.
They should take an aspirin and get to class.
;-)
How much compassion can you expect from a pirate named Iron Ethel Flint?
:-)
Apparently those poor kids would be better off under the tutelage of Iron Jack Roberts.
L
At the risk of sounding insensitive, when I was in college I had difficulties concentrating in class when I was in my [male] period. You know, the period where I wasn’t getting any. It was very painful for me.
Flame away ladies.
Arrrr!!
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