A recent case involving allegations of sexual harassment at Renmin University in Beijing has sparked significant controversy and discussion about how sexual misconduct is addressed in China. The case came to light when a student, known as Wang Di, posted a video on Weibo accusing her PhD supervisor, Wang Guiyuan, of sexual harassment and abuse over a period of more than two years.
In the video posted on July 21, Wang Di detailed instances of physical and verbal abuse by Wang Guiyuan, a former Chinese Communist Party representative at the university. She included an audio recording of one incident in which a man is heard requesting a kiss, to which she repeatedly refuses. Although the authenticity of the audio recording could not be independently verified, the video quickly garnered widespread attention, receiving over 2 million likes and sparking a wave of support on social media. A related hashtag surpassed 110 million views.
By the following day, Renmin University had launched an investigation and confirmed the allegations, although it referred to the conduct as “moral misconduct” rather than explicitly labeling it as sexual harassment. Wang Guiyuan was subsequently dismissed from his position at the university and expelled from the Communist Party. Local authorities have opened an investigation into the matter, but Wang Guiyuan has not responded to requests for comment.
The rapid response to the Renmin University case is unusual in China, where public allegations of sexual harassment are rare and even more so are swift actions against the accused. Experts and activists highlight that such cases often face significant barriers, including a lack of institutional procedures for handling complaints and the risks involved in publicly speaking out.
Feminists and legal experts, such as Feng Yuan, who runs a helpline for domestic violence victims, point out that many cases of sexual harassment are dismissed or minimized if reported privately. The Renmin University case underscores the risks and challenges faced by those who choose to speak out, often leading to public exposure as the only effective means of seeking justice.
Zhou Xiaoxuan, a screenwriter known for her public accusations against a prominent television presenter, commented on Weibo about the systematic cover-ups within universities and other institutions. She noted that only a small number of individuals who endure significant personal risk, including potential slut-shaming and cyberbullying, manage to gain public attention for their cases.
The broader context of this issue reflects a significant challenge in China, where sexual harassment cases often require concrete evidence like audio or video recordings for legal action. Furthermore, institutions frequently opt to address such matters as moral failings rather than criminal offenses, a practice criticized by many as failing to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
Recent developments include Shaanxi Normal University’s suspension of a professor accused of sending explicit photographs to students, highlighting ongoing concerns about handling abuse allegations in educational institutions. However, the lack of transparency and detailed information about such cases remains a significant issue.
As organized feminist activity in China faces increasing suppression, with activists like Sophia Huang Xueqin receiving severe penalties for their advocacy, the resistance to systemic abuse continues. Despite the risks, activists and victims remain determined to confront and challenge the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in China.
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