Beijing University Faces Backlash Over Controversial Period Leave Policy

The Gengdan Institute in Beijing has provoked public anger after a student claimed she was asked to prove she was menstruating to receive sick leave, highlighting issues of privacy and control within Chinese universities.

A recent controversial incident at Gengdan Institute in Beijing has ignited widespread outrage, following reports that a student was allegedly required to provide proof of menstruation to qualify for sick leave. The situation was captured in a viral video shared on social media, where a young woman questions a clinic staff member about the necessity of having to take off her trousers for verification of her period. The staff member affirmed that this was indeed a "school rule," leading to public indignation over the apparent invasion of privacy.

In response to the backlash, the university released a statement asserting that their protocol had been followed during the encounter, suggesting that the videos circulating online were distorted. They indicated a willingness to take legal action against those who disseminated what they deemed "malicious" content. However, this defense has not quelled the online uproar, as critics continue to express their disdain for the university's policy, deeming it an unnecessary and degrading requirement.

The Gengdan Institute’s response attempted to clarify that no physical examination occurred, and that the student was advised to seek hospital care instead. Nevertheless, this reasoning has fallen flat as many social media commentators have mocked the absurdity of needing to prove one's menstrual status. One user quipped about the ludicrousness of the situation by suggesting a comical solution with sanitary pads.

This incident aligns with a broader trend of stricter regulations imposed by many Chinese universities, aimed at controlling student behavior. Examples include bans on bed curtains in dormitories for safety reasons and restrictive travel guidelines during holidays, all of which have sparked critiques of overreach by educational authorities.

One Gengdan Institute student conveyed that these invasive practices are not new and highlighted that similar complaints had been raised in the past without any action being taken. The viral nature of this particular incident seems to have galvanized public discourse, pushing more individuals to feel empowered to speak out against such intrusive regulations.

State media has also emphasized the sensitive nature of topics surrounding menstruation and argued that rules mandating proof will negatively affect the psychological wellbeing of students. The Gengdan Institute, now under intense scrutiny, reflects the growing discontent among students regarding university policies that many perceive as overbearing and unnecessary. The recent uproar may indicate a pivotal moment for student advocacy and reform in higher education governance across China.