University Expels Student for "Improper Interactions," Sparks National Debate in China

Dalian Polytechnic University in northeastern China recently announced the expulsion of a female student, citing her alleged involvement in "improper interactions" with a foreign male as damaging to the national dignity. This decision, which comes after an incident on December 16, 2024, has fueled widespread debate online, particularly on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, where users are divided over the school's role in judging personal lives and elevating such matters to a national level.

In its official statement, the university asserted that the student's actions led to "terrible negative impact," though they did not provide specific details about the nature of her "misbehaviors." The institution also publicly identified the student, raising privacy concerns that were highlighted by The Paper, a state-run media outlet, which criticized the disclosure as inappropriate and potentially against the Personal Information Protection Law. The discussions online have compared the university's actions to those of the Taliban regarding control over women, with critics arguing that if a Chinese man had engaged with a foreign woman, he might not be subject to similar scrutiny.

Further complicating the situation, the student has been linked to Danylo Teslenko, a Ukrainian gamer known as Zeus, who confirmed posting videos featuring a girl he met in Shanghai. Although he stated the content was not explicit and intended no disrespect, he deleted the videos upon realizing the potential repercussions. Reports indicate that their meeting occurred during a gaming competition, highlighting the intersection of gaming culture and gender dynamics within Chinese society. As the university has yet to respond to inquiries, the unfolding events continue to stoke conversations about personal freedoms and societal norms in China.