In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Henan Xinyang Normal University recently launched the “Thousand Classes, Ten Thousand Yuan” donation initiative, calling on past graduating classes to donate to their alma mater, with a target amount of no less than 10,000 RMB per class. This initiative has sparked widespread controversy, with some netizens questioning its alleged “coercive donation” nature. Under strong public pressure, the university responded by stating that the donations are “unlimited in amount and completely voluntary,” but the doubts and criticisms have not yet subsided.
According to a circulated copy of the university’s “Initiative Document,” the donation activity is aimed at past graduating classes, organized on a class-by-class basis with a designated contact person organizing voluntary contributions from class members. The initiative suggests a target amount of “not less than 10,000 yuan,” with the donations intended for the development of educational initiatives at the university. The university will offer gratitude acknowledgments to donors at different donation levels, including having their names recorded in a “Donation Commemorative Album” and archived in the school’s historical gallery.
The language of the initiative document is passionate, calling on alumni to enthusiastically donate under the slogan “Recapture the fervor of youth and present a gift to the alma mater’s 50th anniversary.” However, the setting of the “ten thousand yuan” threshold and the collective organizational method have raised numerous questions. Some netizens have pointed out that so-called “voluntary donations” often come with group pressure in reality and can potentially devolve into a form of coercion. A netizen commented, “Let the leaders donate first,” while others suggested, “Demand that the principal donate an amount no less than their annual salary…” There are also those who feel, “Don’t waste this money; save it to buy good food for your parents.”
A graduate of the university, Zhao Qiang, expressed to a journalist from Dajiyuan, “I believe the school’s anniversary celebrations should be based on thriftiness. The money could be used to help students in need rather than embellishing the leaders. I wonder whose pockets the remaining money will end up in.”
A department head surnamed Ding working at the Zhengzhou Education Bureau also voiced strong dissatisfaction with the initiative. Speaking privately to Dajiyuan, he said, “The State Council and the Ministry of Education expressly prohibit schools from soliciting donations from students under any pretext, including those who have already graduated, yet the practice continues unabated. Xinyang Normal University’s organization of donations under the guise of the school anniversary interferes severely with individual autonomy, straying from the essence of educating and nurturing students.”
The university’s response stated that they have not yet received any class donations exceeding ten thousand yuan, with the highest being 2,000 yuan, and the majority ranging between 100 to 200 yuan. Some individual alumni have donated 100,000 yuan in their personal capacity. An employee emphasized that the activity is “unlimited in amount and completely voluntary,” and is still in the “early stages of fundraising.”
However, experts point out that Xinyang Normal University’s “initiative” does not mean “pressure-free.” A scholar surnamed Liu who has left Zhejiang University told reporters that donations should be a purely voluntary act based on emotional identification, rather than being treated as an “obligation” or a “benchmark.” He stated, “Many graduates are currently struggling to find employment; I have heard that the unemployment rate among college graduates this year has reached forty percent or even higher. These students lack a source of income and rely mostly on their parents for support; students from modest backgrounds may feel psychological burdens within the group atmosphere. Once former mentors or class leaders hint that ‘not donating will affect the collective honor,’ it can easily lead to a form of coercion, weakening graduates’ sense of belonging to the school.”
He added that such practices not only erode the trust between the school and its graduates but also contradict the goal of universities in cultivating independent personalities and civic responsibilities.
The incident has also stirred commentary from mainland media outlets. The Beijing News, in a commentary article, noted that the school anniversary donation initiative was originally a common practice, but explicitly stating “donation target amounts” can easily lead to public misunderstanding. “Even with good intentions, the setting of the ‘Thousand Classes, Ten Thousand Yuan’ target still conveys utilitarian undertones, lacking a human touch and ultimately damaging the school’s image.”
Information on Xinyang Normal University’s official website indicates that the university was founded in 1975, originally known as the Xinyang Branch of Kaifeng Normal College, and was elevated to a university in 1978. In June 2023, it was officially renamed Xinyang Normal University and is one of the key teacher training universities in Henan province.
Though the university has clarified its “voluntary principle,” the setting of the “Thousand Classes, Ten Thousand Yuan” has sparked discussions about university donation systems and public responsibilities. Some commentators have highlighted that while universities pursue funding for development, they should also uphold transparent, fair, and inclusive campus culture to avoid alumni alienation and public backlash stemming from improper operations.