Recently, Beijing University of Technology’s Geng Dan College sparked widespread attention and debate due to a requirement for female students to provide proof of their physical condition by removing their pants when requesting sick leave during menstruation. This incident quickly became a hot topic on social media platforms, with netizens questioning the rationality of this rule and criticizing the violation of students’ privacy and dignity by the authorities.
According to online revelations by netizens, a female student at Beijing University of Technology’s Geng Dan College visited the campus clinic for sick leave due to discomfort during her menstrual period, only to be asked to take off her pants to prove her physical condition. This incident immediately stirred public opinion, with netizens labeling the rule as “outrageous” and “rude.”
School staff responded on May 16th, stating that this rule was not recently implemented, but was put in place due to some students falsely claiming sick leave during their menstrual periods, with some individuals even taking sick leave four to five times within a month. The school established this measure to prevent false sick leave requests.
However, the situation report released by Beijing University of Technology’s Geng Dan College on the afternoon of May 16th contradicted the claims made by netizens. The report stated that the clinic staff’s procedure was in line with regulations, with the student’s consent obtained prior to the examination, and no instruments or physical examinations were used.
Nevertheless, netizens did not buy the school’s explanation, asserting that this rule not only violated students’ privacy but also lacked basic respect and trust towards the students.
One Weibo user commented: “Incidents like these are rampant. Some people abuse their power. If you can’t punish cheaters, then increase various checks, making life difficult for the good people.”
This incident is not an isolated case. In recent years, similar “simplistic and rude” management regulations have been observed in mainland Chinese universities. Previously, universities in various regions have mandated students to sit in the front rows during classes, and some have even required parents to “audit” their children if they commit multiple offenses. Additionally, a primary school in Baise, Guangxi, mandated parents to take turns guarding the school premises, with some parents forced to hold their two-month-old infants while on duty, sparking significant controversy.
Mainland Chinese media commentary pointed out that this incident is undoubtedly a typical case of “one size fits all” management. Menstruation, as a sensitive topic for women, makes the mandatory “pants off proof” not only potentially discomforting for students but also capable of causing negative effects on their mental health.