‘School rule’: Chinese student made to ‘take off trousers’ to ‘prove’ she was menstruating

“Basically yes,” the older woman responds. “This is a school rule.”

In the video, when the student asked for written proof of the rule, the staff member didn’t respond — and instead directed her to go to a hospital.

According to a report by South China Morning Post, Gengdan Institute university college later said in a statement that staff had “followed protocol.” However, social media users have condemned the interaction as a severe invasion of privacy.

Neither the student nor the school responded to media requests for comment.

Though the original video and school’s statement appear to have been taken down, screenshots and clips continue to circulate online, including via Chinese state media. A user on Douyin — China’s TikTok — claiming to be the student said her account was suspended for 30 days for posting “pornographic content.”

Gengdan Institute, in a 16 May statement, claimed the videos had been “distorted” and warned of legal action against those who “maliciously spread untrue videos.” It added that the clinic staff followed procedures and “initiated clinical work after getting the student’s permission,” while denying the use of physical exams or tools.

The Gengdan Institute is a private undergraduate college affiliated with Beijing University of Technology, one of China’s top public universities.

A staff member told Dute News that the policy was aimed at preventing students from faking menstrual pain to get sick notes BBC reported. But the explanation hasn’t gone over well.

“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,” said one user on Weibo.

“Menstruation is already an intimate topic for women. Rules like this will make students feel very uncomfortable, and even negatively impact students’ psychological wellbeing,” said China National Radio in an op-ed.

Gengdan Institute now finds itself among several universities in China that have come under scrutiny for heavy-handed rules. Last year, some were criticised for banning bed curtains — used for privacy in shared dorms — citing fire hazards. Others issued strict travel restrictions during holidays, warning against solo or road trips.