A recent incident involving the rejection of a postgraduate candidate with a history of cat abuse by two prominent Chinese universities has ignited discussions regarding the importance of moral assessment during the admission process.
The candidate, identified by the surname Xu, faced allegations of mistreating cats within his dormitory at Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Videos depicting the abuse, including one where Xu submerged a cat in water and treaded on its head, circulated online in February, prompting public outcry.
Following public outrage, Nanjing’s public security bureau initiated an investigation, during which Xu admitted to his actions and pledged not to repeat similar behavior. Despite this, when Xu applied for a master’s program at Nanjing University’s School of Physics, he was rejected, despite scoring the highest among applicants. Many speculated that Xu’s history of animal abuse influenced the university’s decision, as numerous netizens raised concerns about his moral character.
Nanjing University’s admissions staff cited a comprehensive evaluation process, including postgraduate entrance examinations and interviews, suggesting that Xu’s actions may have impacted their decision.
Subsequently, Xu found himself on a waiting list for Lanzhou University in Gansu province. However, netizens on the university’s Sina Weibo microblog urged caution in enrolling Xu, emphasizing the importance of considering moral character in addition to academic achievements.
Despite calls for leniency from some quarters, including public opinion leader Hu Xijin, who urged society to offer Xu a chance for redemption, Lanzhou University’s School of Nuclear Science and Technology ultimately omitted Xu’s name from its admission list. Hu acknowledged Xu’s wrongdoing but advocated for providing opportunities for growth and rehabilitation.
While the rejection of Xu from both universities reflects the weight given to moral considerations in the admission process, the case underscores broader debates about the balance between academic excellence and ethical conduct in higher education. As discussions continue, the case of Xu serves as a focal point for reflection on the values and principles guiding university admissions in China.
