Cornell decision adds to growing climate of fear on Chinese campuses
- US college has suspended two exchange programmes with Renmin University out of concern for academic freedom
- Student says he hopes Renmin ‘can reflect on its practices and restrictions’ after labour rights activists said they were punished
A decision by Cornell University to suspend two exchange programmes with a leading Chinese college out of concern for academic freedom has added to a growing climate of fear on campuses in China.
The decision by Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labour Relations (ILR) came after students at Renmin University of China said they had been punished for their labour rights activism.
One of the Renmin students who took part in demonstrations and has worked at a factory to better understand workers’ needs said: “What kind of people is our education system trying to build? Pillars of society who care about our workers and farmers, or egocentric elitists?
“I appreciate what Cornell has done in support of academic freedom and labour activism, and I hope our university can reflect on its practices and restrictions for students,” he said.
Meanwhile, a student group supporting workers involved in a labour dispute at Shenzhen-based Jasic Technology tweeted that “those who stand on the opposite side to the people will pay”.