China Cracks Down on Academic Freedom as Student Expelled for Questioning Communist Ideology
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A physics major at Northwest University in Xi'an has been expelled for repeatedly challenging Communist ideology, sparking concerns over the erosion of academic freedom in China. According to reports, the student's outspoken views during political theory classes, including rejecting the link between Communist ideals and national rejuvenation, led to disciplinary action from university authorities. The incident is the latest example of China's shrinking tolerance for dissenting voices on campus, where universities are increasingly seen as ideological instruments of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Four classmates filed complaints against the student, accusing him of disrupting classroom order and challenging party doctrines. The student had previously faced disciplinary action in 2024 for voicing opposing views during a course on Theoretical Marxism. In September, he made comments that were deemed particularly provocative, including suggesting that Marxist professors might be forced to sell goods outside the university gates if the CCP were to collapse. Northwest University's disciplinary committee ruled that the student had violated institutional norms and disrupted teaching order. The university has yet to release a public statement, despite multiple requests for comment. Legal experts note that while such comments are not technically illegal under Chinese law, the CCP's influence over universities leaves little room for dissenting thought. 'Disbelieving in an ideology isn't a crime, but on campus, it's treated as one,' said a Chongqing-based lawyer. The expulsion of the student highlights the growing trend of universities becoming battlegrounds for enforcing political orthodoxy under President Xi Jinping. Faculty and students face increased surveillance and internal reporting, echoing the chilling atmosphere of Mao's Cultural Revolution.
