A recent incident at Dalian Polytechnic University in northeastern China has sparked intense debate after the institution announced the expulsion of a female student for what it described as “improper contact with a foreigner,” claiming her actions had harmed “national dignity.” The expulsion followed the emergence of videos featuring the student with a Ukrainian video gamer, generating widespread attention on social media.
Supporters of the university's decision argue that such measures reflect an essential adherence to traditional values and a defense of national pride. For some, it serves as a warning against what they view as the overromanticization of foreign influences, particularly among Chinese women.
Conversely, critics have denounced the university's actions as emblematic of sexism and an outdated patriarchal approach. Discussions around the case have pointed out the inconsistency in how accusations of sexual misconduct are treated in academia, highlighting instances where individuals involved in more severe violations faced less severe consequences. Prominent voices, such as Zhao Hong, a law professor at Peking University, have criticized the public shaming associated with the expulsion, suggesting that genuine violations of dignity stem from the online persecution of the student rather than her personal choices.
The university cited violations of a civic morality regulation that governs interactions with foreigners while outlining the student’s expulsion notice online, which included her full name. This action has led to accusations of the institution crossing ethical boundaries by infringing on her privacy rights. Advocates for the student’s rights argue that it’s crucial to reassess such punitive measures and their underlying motivations, particularly in a rapidly modernizing society that balances global interaction with traditional values. As the debate unfolds, it showcases the tensions surrounding nationalism, gender issues, and the role of educational institutions in contemporary China.
