In a shocking incident in Shandong province, China, a 52-year-old male teacher, surnamed Zheng, faced a 10-day police detention after allegedly assaulting a student. The scandal gained attention not just for the assault itself but also due to the school’s initial reluctance to take action against the teacher, according to the South China Morning Post.
What happened?
The incident occurred on December 9, when Zheng, having consumed alcohol, carried out the assault during his duties inspecting the school’s dormitories. The victim, a girl left alone in her room with an unlocked door, became the target of Zheng’s misconduct.
Zheng, known for motivating students to achieve high exam scores, found himself shielded by the school, which hesitated to punish him, citing concerns about the impact on academic performance.
During the assault, Zheng groped the student’s face, used sexually aggressive language, and threatened her. The victim, unable to make a sound, felt suffocated during the attack. The assault was cut short by a school administrator’s intervention, prompting Zheng to flee the scene.
School protected him
The school’s refusal to take immediate action raised eyebrows, as officials prioritized Zheng’s teaching prowess over addressing his alleged misconduct. The victim’s parents complained to the administration, but the school hesitated, fearing repercussions on students preparing for university entrance exams.
In response to the school’s inaction, the victim took to social media, sharing details of the assault. The post quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and prompting authorities to take notice.
The online attention forced the local police to issue a detention order for Zheng on December 16. Both the school and the education authority pledged to punish the teacher once he is released from custody.
Zheng’s actions, as described by the victim, highlighted the severity of the incident. The girl’s struggle and the timely intervention by a school administrator prevented further harm.
Social media erupted with outrage, but the school defended Zheng, emphasizing his value as a teacher. Attempts were made to cover up the accusations, protecting Zheng’s family from public scrutiny.
Attempted Cover-Up
The school’s censorship efforts extended to safeguarding Zheng’s wife, also a teacher at the institution, claiming her innocence and attempting to shield her reputation. Officials hinted at potential harm to Zheng’s well-being due to the damage to his public image.
Unsatisfied with the school’s stance, the victim persisted in sharing her story on social media, rejecting the narrative that protecting Zheng was in the best interest of the students.
The local police’s intervention led to Zheng’s detention, raising questions about the future consequences for the teacher and the school’s reputation.
While promising punishment post-detention, the school and education authority faced a public relations crisis, with widespread discussions on the balance between academic achievements and ethical conduct.