A Chinese boarding school has sparked outrage after a student was harshly punished for using the toilet after curfew. The incident, which took place at Yundong Secondary School in Shanxi province, has brought to light the strict and sometimes draconian discipline practices employed by some boarding schools.
According to reports by South China Morning Post (SCMP), the student in question was caught using the washroom at 11 pm, just 15 minutes past the school’s curfew. As punishment, the boarding school administrators forced him to write a ‘deep self-reflection’ letter and distribute a staggering 1,000 photocopies of the essay to his schoolmates. To add insult to injury, the school also deducted five points from his class’s monthly discipline score.
The Beijing News reported, citing a teacher, that students at Yundong Secondary School are prohibited from walking around the dormitory after 10:45 PM, including using the toilet. Students needing to use the facilities after curfew must request permission from dorm administrators.
The student’s self-reflection letter, as quoted by SCMP, reads: “I have seriously breached the school rules, and going to the toilet in the evening not only disturbed other students’ sleep but also brought shame to my class.” He even apologized to his classmates and teachers, stating he would not repeat the same mistake.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism online, with many comparing the boarding school’s disciplinary practices to those of a prison.
In response to the public outcry, the Education Department of Huairen ordered the school to reflect on its errors and revise its discipline policies. The department also directed the school to engage with the boy caringly and compensate him 100 yuan for the cost of copying the self-reflection essay. Furthermore, the department directed all schools in the city to implement appropriate and humane discipline policies moving forward.
The incident at Yundong Secondary School highlights the need for a critical examination of disciplinary practices in boarding schools. While maintaining order and discipline is essential, it is crucial to ensure that such measures do not infringe on the basic needs and human dignity of students. The Education Department’s intervention serves as a reminder that schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students, one that respects their physical and emotional well-being.
