University expels student for relationship with foreigner
- A Chinese university expelled a female student for alleged improper interactions with a foreigner, attributing this to damaging national dignity.
- The decision sparked a heated debate on Chinese social media about personal freedom, gender norms, and the role of nationalism.
- Critics argue that the expulsion represents a troubling enforcement of societal norms and call for a reevaluation of such university policies.
In December 2024, Dalian Polytechnic University, located in northeast China, expelled a female student due to allegations of engaging in improper interactions with a foreign man. The university stated that the student's behavior had damaged national dignity, leading to significant scrutiny on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin. Many users expressed concern over whether the university had the right to intervene in the student's personal life, igniting debates about gender bias and nationalism in modern Chinese society. The incident became widely discussed after Danylo Teslenko, a Ukrainian influencer and professional gamer, shared footage of himself with an Asian woman in a hotel room, which many speculated was the expelled student. Teslenko confirmed he had posted several videos, which he subsequently deleted upon realizing their potential impact. He emphasized that while their faces were visible in the videos, they contained no explicit content. This situation highlighted an ongoing tension within Chinese society regarding personal freedoms and cultural expectations. Chinese internet users drew parallels between the university's decision and overly strict societal norms that dictate women's behavior. The expulsion has been criticized by many as a form of misogyny, questioning whether similar actions would have been taken if the roles were reversed, with a Chinese male involved with a foreign female. The conversation surrounding the expulsions reflects deeper issues related to national pride, personal autonomy, and gender dynamics. Furthermore, media outlets criticized the university for publicly naming the student involved, arguing that this action may violate laws intended to protect personal information. The case raises questions about how educational institutions govern personal relationships and the extent to which they can enforce behavioral standards deemed harmful to national identity. As the narrative develops, it continues to evoke strong reactions across social media, with users calling for a reassessment of the policies governing student conduct and interactions with foreigners.