Expulsion of foreign student from China fans equal treatment call
- Authorities revoke residence permit for Liberian student over unexplained absences from class
- Major news outlet applauds decision, saying the value of Chinese diplomas has to be protected
The expulsion of an international student from China has revived concerns about preferences for foreigners, with a major state-affiliated news source calling for equal treatment.
In an editorial on Friday, Shanghai-based digital newspaper The Paper applauded the authorities’ decision to expel a Liberian student from the Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College in southern China for not attending over 60 hours of classes since October 20.
The student’s residence permit was cancelled over the unexplained absences from the college in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
“The management requirements for Chinese students should be applied equally to foreign students – earning credits, abiding by school discipline, being ethical – none of [these virtues] should be missing,” the editorial said.
It added that the value of Chinese-issued diplomas had to be protected by ensuring that all students were earning them the same way.
According to the college’s regulations, students who have been absent for more than 60 class hours can face a range of punishment, from probation to expulsion.