The expulsion of a Dalian Polytechnic University student for allegedly damaging national dignity through her relationship with a Ukrainian gamer has led to widespread criticism and discussions about the implications of such a punishment on gender equality and personal freedoms in China.
University Expels Student for Relationship with Foreigner, Sparks Controversy
University Expels Student for Relationship with Foreigner, Sparks Controversy
A Chinese university's decision to expel a female student for 'improper contact' with a foreigner ignites debates on sexism and national dignity.
A recent decision by Dalian Polytechnic University in northeastern China to expel a female student over a purportedly inappropriate relationship with a foreign individual has generated significant controversy and debate across various social media platforms. The university cited the student’s actions as having “damaged national dignity” and conducted the expulsion in line with a university regulation concerning “civic morality.”
The situation arose after videos emerged online showing the student, who remains unnamed, in a perceived intimate context with a Ukrainian video gamer, causing a stir that led to the university's intervention. While some commentators supported the university’s move, arguing that there is a trend among Chinese women to idealize foreigners, a substantial backlash emerged criticizing the expulsion as a manifestation of sexism and paternalism.
Zhao Hong, a law professor at Peking University, was particularly vocal in condemning the university's decision, emphasizing that it was the online mob and the university, rather than the student, that truly compromised national dignity by publicly shaming her. He highlighted the inconsistency in disciplinary actions, pointing out that individuals accused of severe offenses like sexual harassment often receive lighter penalties compared to this case.
The university's public announcement of the expulsion, which included disclosing the student's full name, raised alarms about privacy violation and the loss of individual rights in the face of public scrutiny. Critics have questioned whether such actions genuinely reflect societal morality or merely reinforce damaging stereotypes and stigmas associated with cross-cultural relationships.
As discussions continue among citizens, activists, and educators, this incident sheds light on broader societal issues surrounding gender dynamics, national identity, and the consequences of public exposure in China’s increasingly digital social landscape.
