Beijing College Faces Backlash Over Alleged Invasive Sick Leave Policy

A student at Gengdan Institute has sparked outrage after recording a clinic staff member insisting on proof of menstruation to grant sick leave, igniting a debate on privacy and institutional control in Chinese universities.

A Beijing college, Gengdan Institute, is facing public outrage after an alleged incident involving a policy requiring female students to verify their menstruation status for sick leave. A video, which recently went viral, captures a young woman questioning an older staff member about whether every menstruating student is required to "take off their trousers" for a sick note. The older staff member affirmed, stating that this was a protocol of the school.

As the incident unfolded, local media identified the clinic's location as the Gengdan Institute. Following the controversy, the institution released a statement claiming that its staff adhered to the appropriate procedures during the encounter, including obtaining the student’s permission before proceeding. The college's response indicated frustration with the misinterpretation of the video circulating online and hinted at potential legal actions against those disseminating what they referred to as "maliciously untrue videos".

Despite the college's defense, social media reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, criticizing the perceived invasion of privacy. Many users expressed their discomfort, with comments ranging from sarcastic suggestions to trivialize the process to deep concerns over mental health impacts. A staff member from the institute later suggested that the policy might have been intended to combat students faking menstrual sick leaves, an explanation that found little support among netizens who argued that simpler record-keeping would suffice.

Additionally, this incident feeds into a broader discourse on how universities in China impose control over students’ lives. Previous criticisms have been directed at educational institutions for overly strict regulations, such as barring bed curtains in dormitories or imposing travel restrictions during holidays. One user on Xiaohongshu, claiming to be a Gengdan student, remarked that these policies have historically been criticized, indicating a culture of silence among students that is gradually transforming into vocal condemnation.

State media has weighed in, with reports warning that intrusive regulations can affect students' psychological wellbeing and comfort regarding an already sensitive topic. The Gengdan Institute’s incident is not an isolated case but rather part of a larger pattern of criticism toward university policies that many view as ham-fisted attempts at discipline and control.