Chinese University Faces Backlash for Student's Expulsion Over Foreign Contact

In an incident that has resonated deeply across social media platforms, Dalian Polytechnic University publicly announced the expulsion of a female student for purportedly having "improper contact" with a foreigner, a Ukrainian gamer whose videos went viral. The university's decision cited a breach of "national dignity" and claimed her actions had adverse effects on the institution’s reputation. This pronouncement has resulted in polarized reactions; some applauded the university’s stance, arguing that local individuals, especially women, should show restraint in their interactions with foreigners. However, many others condemned the expulsion as an example of sexism and unwarranted public shaming, as the university even released her full name in their announcement.

A prominent law professor at Peking University, Zhao Hong, criticized the backlash surrounding the incident, stating that true damage to national dignity resulted from the online mob that attacked the woman rather than from her alleged misconduct. Critics pointed out that the disciplinary measures imposed on this student were disproportionately severe compared to lighter penalties often handed down in cases of sexual misconduct on campuses.

The university argued that the student's behavior, which took place on December 16, violated existing regulations concerning "civic morality," although they provided no further details about the specifics of her actions. The policy in question suggests that contact with foreigners that affects national dignity can lead to demerits or other punishments, depending on circumstances. The uproar following the expulsion has highlighted deeper concerns over the balance between public morality and individual privacy in a rapidly changing social landscape in China.