By Yang Mien-chieh and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer
Shih Hsin University President Chen Ching-he (陳清河) yesterday issued a public apology for comments made in his commencement speech last week, stating that he has asked the school to suspend his duties and halt his wages for two months as a show of contrition.At the commencement ceremony on May 30, Chen said, “If you don’t manage your time well, or your own emotions, or your health, then I am telling every one of you — put a quick end to ‘you,’ because the world has no need for ‘you.’”The comments have sparked significant controversy online, and Chen through an open statement yesterday said his commencement speech had not been thoroughly proofread due to scheduling issues and that it did not appropriately convey his original intent.
Shih Hsin University President Chen Ching-he gives a commencement speech in Taipei on May 30.
He said the message was intended to encourage graduates to develop maturity, good judgement and a positive approach to dealing with others, rather than to promote the controversial views on life and death that some critics have accused him of.Chen, in the statement, apologized for the disruption and concern his remarks had caused to the public, alumni, faculty, staff, students and the institution. To assume responsibility, he said he had requested a two-month unpaid leave of absence, effective from Monday next week, the statement said.
