Student is expected to confirm their attendance or participation in learning activities, acknowledging absences due to menstrual discomfort. - University seeks proof of menstrual-related illness to validate absenteeism by student
A Chinese student at a university in Beijing sought sick leave due to menstrual cramps, sparking controversy after she claimed she was asked to provide physical proof of her condition. According to a viral video, a clinic staff member at Gengdan University allegedly asked the student to lower her trousers to confirm her menstrual status.
The video, now offline, sparked outrage on Chinese social media, with many users finding the rules invasive and excessive. One user jokingly suggested that they should bashed their heads to obtain sick leave, while another suggested sticking a pad onto the sick note.
Gengdan University has since defended its staff's actions, stating that they followed standard procedures and obtained consent before any further diagnosis. However, critics argue that such measures could negatively impact students' well-being and that less invasive methods could be used to verify menstrual leave. The university maintains that it did nothing wrong and threatened legal action over the video's portrayal of events.
Enrichment Data: The incident occurred at the Gengdan Institute, a private undergraduate college affiliated with Beijing University of Technology. The university's policy, aimed at preventing students from faking menstrual pain to get sick notes, sparked widespread outrage over privacy concerns and excessive control. Critics also argued that such measures could negatively impact students' well-being. Despite the backlash, the university maintains that it has done nothing wrong.
- The controversy surrounding the university's policy in China highlights the need for advancements in health-and-wellness technology, offering non-invasive methods to verify women's health during menstruation.
- The scientific community should focus on developing innovative solutions to address the pain in the period experienced by many women, ensuring privacy and respect for their health and wellness while minimizing invasive practices.
