A boarding school in China is facing significant backlash after staff punished a student for using the toilet at night. The student, who visited the washroom at 11:00 pm, 15 minutes past curfew, was caught and disciplined. This incident, which many have compared to a ‘prison’ environment, has sparked widespread anger.
A teacher, wishing to remain anonymous, revealed that students cannot move around the dormitory after 10.45 pm, and there are restrictions on toilet use. Students must reportedly contact dorm administrators for permission to use the toilet after curfew.
The boy’s punishment involved writing a “deep self-reflection” letter and distributing 1,000 copies among his peers, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). Additionally, marks were deducted from his class’ monthly discipline score.
In his letter, the student wrote, “I have seriously breached the school rules, and going to the toilet in the evening not only disturbed other students’ sleep but also brought shame to my class.” He also apologised to his teachers and classmates, vowing not to repeat this behaviour.
Social media users expressed their outrage, with one individual on Douyin questioning why going to the toilet after 11 pm breaks school rules. Another commented that the school’s strict regulations make it resemble a prison.
Following the public outcry, the Education Department of Huairen, where the school is located, instructed the institute to reflect on their mistakes. They ordered the school to revise its discipline policies and compensate the student 100 yuan (US$14) for printing 1,000 copies of his letter.
Officials have also directed schools in the area to adopt “reasonable and humane” discipline policies.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times highlights Kristen Fischer’s US vs India comparisons and a viral video of a man doing push-ups on a moving bike, with Bihar police responding.(read more)
- The Daily Guardian reports a Chinese boarding school’s severe punishment for a student using the toilet past curfew, involving 1,000 photocopies of a self-reflection letter, sparking public outrage against strict rules.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at the boarding school in China?
A student was punished for using the toilet at night, sparking backlash.
What was the student’s punishment for using the toilet at night?
The student had to write a self-reflection letter and distribute 1,000 copies.
What did the student write in the self-reflection letter?
The student apologized for breaking school rules and disturbing others’ sleep.
How did social media react to the incident?
Users expressed outrage, comparing the school’s strict rules to a prison.
What action did the education department take against the school?
They asked the school to reflect on its errors and revise discipline policies.
