During Graduation in China, Student Punches Professor on Stage
CHINA – A student named Hsia shocked attendees by punching a professor on stage during the graduation ceremony at Fudan University in Shanghai on June 20, 2024.
The ceremony, attended by over 10,000 students, initially proceeded smoothly until Hsia unexpectedly punched the professor during the degree conferment segment, causing the professor’s cap to fall off and glasses to break.
A video of the assault quickly went viral on social media, capturing the disruption and the stunned reactions of those present. Prior to the incident, students had calmly proceeded to the stage to transfer their tassels as part of the graduation ritual. Hsia’s actions abruptly halted the proceedings, leading to immediate concern and chaos among attendees.
Reports suggest that Hsia may have mistaken the professor for someone else, potentially confusing him with the university dean. Hsia, a student from Taiwan, had been a candidate for a master’s program at Peking University’s Health Science Center but faced previous obstacles related to the university’s ideological and moral assessments.
Following the assault, the professor sustained minor injuries and was swiftly taken to a hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, university officials, including the Student Affairs Office and Law School staff, have launched an investigation into the incident. As of now, no official statement has been issued by Hsia or university authorities regarding the motive behind the attack or any disciplinary actions to be taken. The professor attacked by the student has yet to release any statement as well.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and discussion, highlighting issues of security and behavior during academic ceremonies. It underscores the need for universities to ensure the safety of faculty and attendees during such events, as well as to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the altercation.