Chinese University’s Menstrual Leave Policy Sparks Outrage

"If they're worried about students using their periods as an excuse several times a month, why not simply make a record of it? It's not that complicated."

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Menstrual Leave Policy

A University in Beijing has faced public backlash after allegedly requiring a student to prove she was menstruating to qualify for sick leave. The incident, captured on video, shows a young woman asking if she needs to “take off trousers and show” her menstrual status to obtain a sick note. The older woman responds, “Basically yes… This is a school rule.”

The video, reportedly filmed at the Gengdan Institute university college, has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing the institution of invading students’ privacy. The university later stated that its staff had “followed protocol,” but the incident has raised concerns about the institution’s policies.

Controversy Over Menstrual Leave

The student questioned the necessity of proving her menstrual status, asking for written proof of the school regulation. The staff member did not provide an explanation and instead suggested the student visit a hospital. Many social media users have ridiculed the policy, with one user writing, “My head hurts, should I open my skull and call it a day?” Another suggested, “Let’s just take the sanitary pad out and paste it on the sick note.”

Some have argued that the rule might be intended to deter students from faking periods to get sick notes. However, others have countered that simpler solutions, such as record-keeping, could achieve the same goal without invading students’ privacy. A Weibo user wrote, “If they’re worried about students using their periods as an excuse several times a month, why not simply make a record of it? It’s not that complicated.”

Broader Concerns About Student Autonomy

The incident has added to concerns about the level of control universities in China exert over students’ lives. Previous controversies include bans on bed curtains in dormitories and strict guidelines for students traveling during holidays. State media has also criticized the menstrual leave policy, with China National Radio writing, “Menstruation is already an intimate topic for women. Rules like this will make students feel very uncomfortable, and even negatively impact students’ psychological wellbeing.”

A user on Xiaohongshu, claiming to be a student at Gengdan Institute, wrote, “The school’s clinic deserves all the criticism it’s getting… I’m glad it made the trending topics this time. People didn’t stay silent.” The incident has sparked a wider debate about the balance between institutional authority and student autonomy.

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