University Faces Backlash Over Planned Expulsion of Student for Casual Encounter

Student Accused of ‘Hurting National Dignity’ After Night with Ukrainian Gamer

A Chinese university’s decision to expel a student for a consensual encounter with a foreign gamer has ignited a firestorm of online criticism, with many decrying the punishment as excessive and a violation of personal freedoms.

Student’s Fate Hangs in Balance

Li, a student at Dalian Polytechnic University, faces expulsion following an incident on December 16, 2024. University officials stated the action stems from an act of “misconduct” that allegedly “hurt national dignity.” This vague accusation has fueled public outrage.

Gamer’s Posts Spark Controversy

The 21-year-old’s reported one-night stand was with 37-year-old former Counter-Strike player Danylo Teslenko, known online as “Zeus.” Teslenko allegedly shared intimate photos and videos of himself and Li within his fan community, reportedly making disparaging remarks about her.

Public Outcry Over Punishment

The university’s move has drawn comparisons to instances where harsh penalties are disproportionately applied. For example, in some countries, universities have implemented stricter codes of conduct for students, with sanctions ranging from warnings to expulsion for violations of community standards, reflecting evolving societal norms around campus behavior (NAC.ac.uk, 2023).