In brief
The Gengdan Institute has faced significant backlash following a viral video that highlights a policy requiring female students to demonstrate their menstrual status for medical leave. Critics condemn the invasion of privacy, sparking a broader debate about student autonomy and institutional control in China's higher education system.
A recent incident at a university in Beijing has ignited widespread outrage on social media after a student claimed she was asked to physically prove her menstruation status to receive sick leave. A video circulating online shows the student confronting a staff member in a clinic about the school's protocol, to which the older woman allegedly responds, "Basically yes. This is a school rule."The Gengdan Institute, where the incident reportedly took place, later issued a statement asserting that its staff followed protocol during the encounter. However, critics have slammed the university's actions as a severe invasion of privacy. The student and the institution did not immediately respond to media outlets' requests for comments. While both the video and the university's statement have been removed, snippets have continued to circulate online, reigniting public concern over students' rights.On various social media platforms, users expressed their disdain for the school's requirements, with sarcastic responses about how students should fulfill such invasive demands. Some social media commentators pointed out the absurdity of the regulation, suggesting alternative methods to verify students' health without compromising their dignity.In a statement, Gengdan Institute claimed that the videos circulating were distorted and that they reserve the right to take legal action against those spreading misinformation. They added that their staff had obtained the student’s permission before proceeding with what they deemed "clinical work," although the student was directed to a hospital for verification instead of receiving written proof of the school's regulation.The backlash highlights a trend among Chinese universities that have been criticized for imposing draconian measures on students. Issues such as bans on privacy curtains in dormitories and restrictive travel guidelines have raised questions about institutional overreach. A student from Gengdan Institute commented on social media expressing relief that the incident gained attention this time, indicating that previous complaints about similar policies had gone unaddressed. The student sentiment echoes a growing frustration among young people regarding outdated and intrusive regulations that undermine their autonomy and psychological wellbeing.In light of this incident, many are left wondering about the future of student rights in China and whether any reforms will be enacted in response to the overwhelming public outcry.
