Alex Lew: 2023-06-18

Southeast University asserts its commitment to a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding moral and ethical conduct among its faculty members. Source from SCMP

I. Introduction

In recent years, we have observed a worrying trend in our education system — a moral decline marked by disturbing incidents involving teachers breaching professional boundaries, often manifested as sexual harassment or infidelity. These are not just aberrations but signs of a deep-rooted systemic issue that warrants urgent attention.

Infidelity among teachers goes beyond marital indiscretion and includes inappropriate relationships or sexual misconduct with colleagues, students, or other stakeholders in the education sector. Such behaviour is detrimental to the teachers involved and has far-reaching effects on the victims and the larger educational community.

II. Historical Perspective

Review of Historical Trends of Morality in Education

Teachers and students build education on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Over the years, this moral fabric has unfortunately seen its share of stains. More recently, in the digital era, the apparent anonymity and perceived lack of direct consequences have likely contributed to a rise in inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment within the education system. It is a concern because it undermines the fundamental values of education and creates a hostile environment for learners, hindering their growth and development.

A significant insight into this problem came from the “Survey on Sexual Harassment Encountered by Undergraduates and Graduates in Chinese Universities” in 2017. This report revealed alarming statistics about the prevalence of sexual harassment in educational institutions. Of the 6,531.0 surveyed students, 69.3% reported having experienced sexual harassment. This figure translates into 4,526.0 individuals, worrying 11.0% enduring such harassment more than five times.

Source from Report on Sexual Harassment on Chinese College Campuses

More significantly, school superiors — including school leaders, teachers, and tutors — were responsible for 9.1% of these incidents, signalling a profound issue within the education system.

Trends in Teacher Infidelity Over Time

If we look at more recent data, the problem persists and even worsens. In 2022, China had approximately 37.0 million undergraduate and 3.7 million graduate students. Based on the proportion of harassment incidents reported in the 2017 survey suggests that around 2.5 million of these students may be experiencing unethical behaviour from their academic superiors. This statistic lays bare the scale of the issue and underscores the pressing need for immediate action.

Further complicating the matter is that 50.2% of reported sexual misconduct originated from university students, many of whom are likely to become future teachers. This figure brings attention to a deeply rooted problem that extends beyond the current teaching body and implies that the culture and norms within academic environments must be scrutinised and rectified.

III. Case Studies

Various specific instances of teacher infidelity further highlight the severity of this issue. Here are just a few cases:

Zeng, the director of the Sculpture Department at Sichuan Media College, was dismissed after discovering his multiple inappropriate relationships with female students. His actions constituted a gross violation of professional ethics and an abuse of the trust his students and institution placed in him.

At Zhengzhou University, a teacher named Wang forcibly assaulted a female student, leading to her pregnancy. The subsequent forced abortion resulted in her infertility. They dismissed Wang from his post due to his reprehensible actions. The female student posted in her Webo, “I didn’t dare to bring up this matter before because I was always afraid of the power and retaliation from the principal’s teaching. The feeling of humiliation and self-esteem sealed my mouth. I admit that I was quite naive at that time. I must take some responsibility for the whole incident. The helplessness of my family, the legacy of education, and the lack of love in the past have all contributed to this terrible outcome.”

Qian Fengsheng, an associate professor at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, was dismissed from his role following allegations of sexual harassment. His actions, which included verbal and physical harassment of a student, caused significant distress and violated her rights.

Following revelations of deceptive relationships with multiple female students, Peking University dismissed Feng Renjie, a researcher, and revoked his teaching qualifications. His actions represented a gross exploitation of his students’ trust and a flagrant disregard for appropriate behaviour.

Ye Cheng, a counsellor at the Art College of Zhengzhou University of Science and Technology, was expelled for engaging in a long-term extramarital affair with a student. His actions constituted a breach of professional ethics and abused the power dynamic inherent in his role.

A prominent professor and doctor, Li Qi, in Shanghai, has been dismissed from his position following allegations of an extramarital affair and subsequent abortion with one of his female students. An investigation by the university concluded that the professor’s actions violated professional ethics and hurt society.

Source from SCMP

On the evening of 16 Jan 22, a teacher named Dong from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine raped a 21-year-old female student. On the 17th, reporters learned that the police were investigating the incident. Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has issued a statement announcing that they have dismissed Dong.

IV. Sexual Infidelity that Chinese College Students Might Face

The statistics reveal a concerning landscape of sexual harassment students faces in China, with numerous violations reported. A significant 33.8% of students reported experiencing unwanted sexualised staring, which, while appearing minor, can create a discomforting learning environment. The issue of unwanted sexual gestures or exposure was reported by 25.9% of the respondents, marking a clear violation of personal boundaries and consent.

A large percentage of students, 34.8%, reported being subjected to unwanted sexual jokes, texts, or images. This insidious form of harassment can significantly hamper the mental well-being of students. Insulting comments about a student’s sexual orientation were reported in 8.6% of incidents, indicating the discrimination students face based on their sexual identities.

The issue of persistent, unwanted sexual advances, even after rejection, was reported by 20.3% of students. Such behaviour can impose significant psychological stress on victims. A high 32.7% of students reported experiences of unwanted physical contact, demonstrating a direct invasion of personal space.

Reports indicate that 8.8% of incidents involved unwanted forced kissing, and despite forming a smaller fraction at 1.7%, explicit sexual coercion still showcases the presence of outright forceful behaviours. Alarmingly, 3.2% of respondents reported fears of retaliation for not complying with sexual demands, and a similar percentage reported instances of forced sexual activity.

These figures present a disquieting picture of the extent and variety of sexual harassment experiences endured by students, highlighting the need for comprehensive action to address this issue.

V. Factors of the Ridiculous Situations

Several factors contribute to the persistence of teacher infidelity and sexual misconduct despite years of regulation and oversight. These factors include:

Psychological and Physiological Needs

Most incidents of teacher infidelity or sexual misconduct occur among individuals aged 35 to 45, which is the highest age group for getting a divorce. This age group often experiences the “seven-year itch” in their marriages or seeks new relationships after leaving previous, stagnant marriages. The nature of their work also leaves them yearning for new stimuli. Unlike other industries where individuals interact with different people daily, teachers primarily interact with students and children. If their lives lack additional excitement outside of work, they may seek fulfilment and satisfy their psychological needs elsewhere.

Changing Times and Distant Teacher-Student Relationships

In Chinese universities, a common phenomenon is that teachers need help remembering their students’ names, and students need to be made aware of their teachers’ identities. The teacher-student relationship has become increasingly impersonal and distant. However, as relationships gradually develop, teachers may feel accomplished and satisfied. Teachers are mostly admired by their students when they are closed together, which helps them to gain value and appreciation.

Teaching Extends Beyond Education to Power Dynamics

Teachers possess the authority to review students’ graduation theses and determine their academic future, creating a power dynamic that leaves students reluctant to speak out against inappropriate behaviour. The difficulty of documenting touch-based incidents as evidence further hinders students’ ability to protect their rights.

The report highlights an unfortunate case of sexual harassment experienced by a female doctoral student at the hands of her supervisor. The supervisor engaged in a range of inappropriate behaviours, including making derogatory comments about the student’s appearance, coercing her to expose her feet, and violating her boundaries under the guise of paternal affection. This ongoing harassment took a severe toll on the student’s mental health, leading to depression and thoughts of suicide. The supervisor’s actions, characterised by a volatile temperament and a desire to humiliate others, created an environment of fear and shame for the student. Despite her resilience and decision to continue her academic journey, the supervisor’s harassment persisted, further exacerbating her distress. The case highlights the profound impact that sexual harassment can have on victims and emphasises the urgent need for effective measures to prevent and address such misconduct in educational settings.

The recent news involving an alleged involvement of a female doctoral student from the South China University of Technology in her supervisor’s marriage has attracted significant public attention and scrutiny. Social media platforms have played a role in amplifying these incidents and sparking public discourse.

Lack of Clear Feedback Channels and Institutional Response

There is a general lack of clear channels for students to provide feedback and report incidents of teacher infidelity or sexual misconduct. Instances where individuals have attempted to report such behaviour, have often been met with indifference or ineffective responses. For example, the wife of a teacher involved in an extramarital affair had no means to address the issue within the school. She resorted to anonymously reporting the teacher’s misconduct online. Many students express a lack of awareness regarding reporting channels or doubt the effectiveness of reporting. Some have sent multiple registered letters without any response until resorting to public online platforms.

In 2011, Huang Qiaozhen had been anonymously reporting Dai Mou Biao for several years. In the second year of her marriage, after giving birth, she experienced severe pain in her genitals, triggering memories of being raped six years prior. She sought justice by approaching the Ganzhou Public Security Bureau and Gannan Normal University, filing complaints and writing letters of accusation, but her efforts went unanswered. Huang expressed deep sadness and frustration, often unable to control her tears.

Here is another example from the study, during her university years, a female student sought help from a teacher with international study experience to write a recommendation letter. While reviewing the letter in his office, the teacher put his arm around her shoulder and touched her inappropriately. She felt frozen and didn’t know how to react. Afterwards, she confided in her roommates, and some male friends, but their reactions were minimal. She struggled with the incident but eventually found support from a close friend and books to help her cope. She felt helpless then, unsure how to report the teacher without jeopardising her graduation or facing potential gossip.

Misunderstanding and Shame from Parents Result in Reduced Consciousness

In this story, a woman recounts her experience of being sexually harassed by a family friend during her childhood. Despite feeling violated, she could not speak up due to shame and fear. The incident caused her to resent her mother for not protecting her. Over the years, she carried the trauma and eventually found solace in journaling about her feelings. The story highlights the long-lasting impact of sexual harassment and the silence surrounding it.

The story revolves around a woman who shares her unsettling encounter with sexual harassment during childhood. The incident involves a family friend who took advantage of her vulnerability and subjected her to inappropriate behaviour. The woman’s feelings of violation and disgust were compounded by a sense of shame, preventing her from disclosing the incident to her parents or seeking help. The narrative highlights the damaging effect of social stigma surrounding sexual harassment and its detrimental impact on victims, causing them to internalise blame and suffer in silence.

At the dinner table, Siqi said to her mother with the tone of spreading cream on bread, “Our home-schooling seems to have everything except for sex education.” Her mother looked surprised and responded, “What sex education? Sex education is for those who need sex. Isn’t that what education is all about?” Siqi understood then that her parents would forever be absent from this story. They skipped class, yet they assumed school hadn’t even started. — An excerpt from “Fang Siqi’s First Love Paradise”.

These factors collectively contribute to the persistence of teacher infidelity and sexual misconduct within the education system. If left unchecked, these behaviours can harm students’ well-being and academic environment, undermine the trust and reputation of the education system, and perpetuate a culture of misconduct.

Raising the Level of Public Sexual Education and Emotional Cognition Education in China

The report shows that men and women have different understandings and definitions of sexual behaviour. It’s especially noteworthy when the understanding disparity exceeds 15%. Under different comprehension standards, how can we effectively define and guide men’s and women’s behaviour? In China’s traditional education, sex often causes discomfort or embarrassment, resulting in a lack of clear boundaries and understanding of appropriate behaviour among modern men and women, which includes whether sharing past sexual experiences counts as sexual harassment. This lack of education causes many students to fail to recognise when they’re facing inappropriate phenomena and behaviours.

VI. Call for Actions

Develop and Implement Robust Policies and Training Programs

Education institutions should create a comprehensive policy addressing teacher-student relationships and providing guidelines for appropriate behaviour. The policy should include consequences for violations, such as dismissal, revocation of teaching licenses, and potential legal action. The educational community should receive clear communication about this policy.

In addition to the policy, educational institutions should implement mandatory training programs for staff and faculty members. These programs should focus on professional ethics, understanding and respecting boundaries, and how to recognise and report inappropriate behaviour. They should implement regular refresher training to ensure these concepts remain top-of-mind.

They should also establish anonymous reporting channels that allow students to express their concerns without fearing retaliation. It is essential to create an environment where students feel safe and comfortable reporting any incidents of misconduct.

For the unique profession of a teacher, it might be necessary to establish higher monitoring mechanisms or punitive measures on the moral level. For example, the education system should bar teachers who demonstrate “immoral” behaviour from re-entry. Recruitment processes should include online auditing mechanisms and conduct background checks on people close to these individuals. Undeniably, the teaching profession is a disseminator of social values and ethics. We need to apply higher scrutiny to moral standards. How can we expect a teacher who has strayed, lacking self-control and family values, to nurture excellent talents with the correct values and family concepts?

Comprehensive Sex and Emotional Education

The data shows that misunderstandings about appropriate sexual behaviour and a lack of awareness about sexual harassment contribute to the issue. Therefore, the Chinese education system should implement comprehensive sex and emotional education at all levels of education, including college.

In a case study of the US sexual harassment education, the regulations highlight some standards. “Define child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and domestic violence and explain why they are harmful and their potential impacts” that students can do by the end of Grade 5. Their “National Sexuality Education Standards: Content and Skills, K-12” guides every school and teacher to educate all the students to try to protect themselves and have the correct definition.

Source from National Sexuality Education Standards: Content and Skills, K-12

This education should cover various topics, such as consent, understanding and respecting boundaries, recognising inappropriate behaviour, and understanding the emotional implications of relationships. By equipping students with this knowledge, we can ensure that they are prepared to navigate the complexities of relationships and know when they are in a potentially harmful situation.

Learn from Other Experienced Countries

Adopt a Zero-Tolerance Policy:

In the United States, Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funds, including sexual harassment. Chinese education institutions could adopt similar zero-tolerance policies against sexual misconduct or infidelity, strictly adhering to these policies without exception, including providing resources for students to understand their rights and ensuring swift and thorough investigations into any claims of harassment or misconduct.

Establish Title IX-Inspired Offices and Roles:

Many American universities have offices dedicated to Title IX, ensuring compliance with the law, conducting investigations, and providing support for victims. Chinese universities could also establish similar roles or offices dedicated to handling reports of sexual misconduct, providing support and resources for victims, and conducting investigations.

These offices would ensure that the university’s policies align with best practices in handling such issues. They would also provide training to all staff, faculty, and students to better understand what constitutes inappropriate behaviour and how to report it. Such offices could also lead the way in fostering a culture of respect and integrity within the institution.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, teacher infidelity and sexual misconduct in the Chinese education system is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. Implementing these strategies can create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for students and teachers.