Breaking Silence: Beijing Police Investigate Renmin University Professor After PhD Student’s #MeToo Revelation

Beijing Police Investigate Allegations of Sexual Harassment by Renmin University Professor**

On the evening of July 22, the Beijing Haidian police announced via their official Weibo account that they had begun investigating allegations against a university professor accused of sexual harassment. This investigation comes after a doctoral student, Wang Di, publicly accused her PhD advisor, Wang Guiyuan, of sexual misconduct and retaliation. The allegations were first made on July 21 through a video posted on social media platforms Weibo and Bilibili, where Wang Di detailed the harassment she faced since May 2022.

The video sparked immediate responses from both the public and authorities. By the next morning, Renmin University had launched an investigation, which confirmed the accusations. The university swiftly stripped Wang Guiyuan of his party membership, professorship, and teaching qualifications, and terminated his employment. The case was referred to the relevant government authorities for further action.

Key Takeaways

1. Prompt Action by Authorities: Both the police and the university responded quickly to the allegations. The university's investigation and subsequent actions were completed within 24 hours of the accusations being made public.
2. Evidence-Based Allegations: Wang Di supported her claims with recordings and chat logs, which she made available to the authorities.
3. Widespread Public Support: Wang Di's video garnered significant public attention and support, with millions of likes and numerous supportive comments from users across social media.
4. Institutional Response: Renmin University's decisive action against the accused professor signals a strict stance on maintaining ethical standards among its faculty.

Deep Analysis

This incident marks a significant moment in China's #MeToo movement, which has faced considerable challenges and government suppression in recent years. The swift action by the police and the university suggests a potential shift in how such allegations are handled in China. Historically, the #MeToo movement has been met with resistance, censorship, and legal repercussions against activists. For instance, prominent activists like Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing have been sentenced to prison for their roles in promoting social movements and discussing sensitive issues.

The government's tight control over social activism and public discourse often limits the spread and impact of movements like #MeToo. However, this case might indicate a growing recognition of the need to address sexual harassment more transparently and justly. The university's public commitment to zero tolerance towards misconduct and its quick response may serve as a precedent for other institutions in China.

Despite the challenges, the #MeToo movement has sparked essential conversations about sexual harassment and gender equality in China. This incident, with its significant public and institutional support, could be a turning point, encouraging more victims to come forward and seek justice.

Did You Know?

1. Social Media Impact: Wang Di's video was initially removed from platforms, but it continued to circulate through reuploads by other users, showcasing the resilience of social media in spreading crucial information despite censorship attempts.
2. Public Figures and #MeToo: Before this case, one of the most notable #MeToo incidents in China involved tennis star Peng Shuai, who accused a former high-ranking government official of sexual assault. Her allegations were swiftly censored, and she disappeared from public view for a period.
3. Global Attention: The case has drawn international media attention, highlighting the global significance of the #MeToo movement and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in China.
4. Historical Precedent: The swift action by Renmin University contrasts sharply with previous responses to similar allegations in China, indicating a possible shift towards more rigorous enforcement of ethical standards in academic institutions.

This unfolding situation not only reflects a significant moment for the #MeToo movement in China but also underscores the potential for institutional change in addressing and preventing sexual harassment.