NHRCK Recommends Universities to Amend Regulations Restricting Students’ F?reedom of Expression
□ The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson: Ahn Chang-ho; hereinafter "NHRCK") has determined that the removal of student posters—based on internal regulations that either preclude opportunities for socio-political discourse or subject all postings to prior approval—constitutes an excessive restriction on the freedom of expression. Consequently, the Commission issued remedial recommendations to the President of University A on December 3, 2025, and to the President of University B on December 4, 2025.
□ Case of University A
The Complaint: Complainant 1, a student at University A, applied for approval to display a poster commemorating the 8th anniversary of the "Gangnam Station Femicide Case." However, the Respondent (University A) denied the request, asserting that the content related to political, religious, or gender issues could undermine the "academic atmosphere." In May 2024, Complainant 1 filed a complaint with the NHRCK, alleging that this measure was unjust.
Respondent's Position: University A stated that, pursuant to internal regulations, it only approves materials that do not disrupt the academic environment and removes any unapproved postings immediately. The Respondent argued that the poster in question was not approved because its gender-related content was highly contentious and subject to debate.
□ Case of University B
The Complaint: Complainant 2, a student at University B, displayed large-format posters on three campus buildings to criticize the declaration of emergency martial law. The Respondent (University B) subsequently removed them based on internal rules. In December 2024, Complainant 2 filed a complaint with the NHRCK, asserting that the university's actions violated students' freedom of expression.
Respondent's Position: While University B maintained that it respects the freedom of expression, it stated that postings in unauthorized or undesignated locations, as well as those that aesthetically detract from the educational environment, are removed following a notice period. The Respondent argued that the removal was a necessary measure for facility management and compliance with campus regulations.
□ The Committee on Child Rights of the NHRCK (Chairperson: Standing Commissioner Lee Sook-jin) reached the following conclusions:
University regulations that exclude socio-political discourse or mandate prior approval for all postings risk infringing upon the fundamental essence of the freedom of expression.
In both cases, despite the students' intent to engage in socio-political discourse, the universities’ removal of the posters resulted in an excessive restriction of healthy opinion-forming and autonomous student activities.
In particular, the Commission judged that the internal regulations of University A and University B, which require prior permission and essentially allow for censorship of students' social and political activities, fundamentally stifle free debate and criticism within the university.
□ The NHRCK recommended that the Presidents of University A and University B establish designated spaces where students can freely express their views without prior approval and amend relevant regulations to ensure that the freedom of expression is not disproportionately restricted.
