Education Minister Wu Se-hwa says the education ministry could respond favorably if the students who stormed the ministry building last week reflect on their behavior.
On Thursday, dozens of students and demonstrators occupied the education ministry to protest changes to the curriculum guidelines for high school history classes. Critics say the changes are China-centric.
The ministry plans to sue the students for trespassing on ministry property.
Wu spoke Wednesday about the ministry’s hopes for high school students. "We will ask our law agencies to deal with relevant legal matters," said Wu. "But I think the Ministry of Education will use our goodwill and our highest educational philosophy to try and help every high school student. We hope that everyone can learn through this process while also abiding by the law."
Wu said that there are many different opinions about the changes to the curriculum guidelines. He said the education ministry will give teachers the freedom to choose between old and new textbooks. Controversial aspects will be organized into separate material.
Meanwhile, education official Wu Ching-shan says the education ministry could consider dropping the lawsuit against the students if they reflect on their behavior.
"Students are still in the process of learning! So dropping the lawsuit is of course an option," said Wu. "If the students understand that their behavior was inappropriate, then I think from an educational perspective, we should give them an opportunity to change."
On Thursday, there will be four panel discussions about the issue at school campuses in Taoyuan, Nantou, Kaohsiung and Yilan. 20 people will also draw lots for a chance to meet the education minister in person to talk about the new curriculum guidelines.