In a recent incident at Beijing University of Technology’s Gengdan College, a female PRC student reportedly faced an uncomfortable situation when seeking medical leave due to menstrual discomfort. A video circulating online shows her questioning a staff member in the campus medical office about the requirement for female students to remove their pants to obtain a medical certificate. The staff member confirmed that this was indeed a school policy, which sparked outrage and concern among the public.
The university responded to the controversy by issuing a statement on May 16, acknowledging the discussions surrounding the medical office’s procedures. They formed a special task force to investigate the matter. The university’s findings indicated that the medical staff followed the appropriate protocols by inquiring about the student’s condition and obtaining her consent before proceeding with any examination. They also clarified that no invasive procedures were performed.
The school official said this is proper procedure
Furthermore, the university noted that the video circulating online had been altered, leading to potential misrepresentation of the events. They warned that they would take legal action against anyone spreading false information about the incident.
In light of the backlash, university officials stated that the existing medical examination protocols were not newly implemented and that they are considering alternative methods to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Beijing University of Technology’s Gengdan College, established in 2005, is a full-time private institution with over 5,000 students and 305 staff members as of the end of 2023. The incident has raised significant awareness about women’s health issues and the treatment of female students in educational institutions.
In a related development, several gyms across China have begun to extend the validity of women’s monthly memberships to accommodate those who experience discomfort during their menstrual periods. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of women’s health needs and aims to create a more supportive environment for female gym-goers. Many women have expressed gratitude for these changes, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing their unique challenges.