Female student expelled In China over sex with foreigner: University says it hurt 'national dignity'
A female university student in China is facing expulsion after being accused of “hurting national dignity” for having a consensual one-night stand with a foreign visitor in a case that has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of blatant gender discrimination.
According to the South China News, the student, surnamed Li, reportedly had a brief encounter with 37-year-old Ukrainian ex-pro gamer Danylo Teslenko, also known as “Zeus,” during his visit to Shanghai in December 2024.
Teslenko later shared intimate photos and videos in his online fan group, allegedly without Li’s consent.
These were leaked, and her personal information – including her real name, family details, and social media accounts – was doxxed online.
What followed was an onslaught of online harassment, with some men reportedly pressuring Dalian Polytechnic University to take disciplinary action.
The university responded by naming Li publicly and announcing plans to expel her, citing her behaviour as “misconduct” that brought shame on the institution and the nation.
No official ban on relationships with foreigners
While there’s no official law prohibiting Chinese students from dating foreigners, universities have some leeway in handling such situations, and disciplinary actions are often based on interpretations of “improper conduct”.
Critics have slammed the university’s handling of the matter, arguing that Li’s private life is being unfairly punished, while Teslenko, who posted the content, has faced no institutional consequences.
Legal experts in China have also questioned the legality of her expulsion, stating that her actions do not meet the official grounds for dismissal under current higher education law.
Double standards
What stings even more is the double standard. In other cases involving male students and misconduct, names were withheld and penalties minimal.
In Li’s case, she has been humiliated, vilified, and made the scapegoat for a situation initiated by someone else’s indiscretion.
“She’s the one who’s been violated and doxxed,” said one online commenter. “The school should be protecting her, not punishing her.”
Li has until 7 September to appeal the university’s decision. At the time of writing, she has not issued a public response.
Legal professionals have urged her to challenge the expulsion and take action against the university.
IOL Lifestyle