Chinese University Faces Backlash Over Dormitory Mix Up

Chongqing University of Technology Faces Backlash Over Dormitory Mix Up

Chongqing University of Technology recently faced strong criticism after several male international students were temporarily placed in a women's dormitory at its Liangjiang campus.

On September 15, photos shared online showed a group of Black male students carrying luggage inside Dormitory No. 6, a residence hall clearly marked with the notice "Female Dormitory, No Male Entry." The unusual arrangement quickly drew anger from students and netizens, who questioned why men were being assigned to a building traditionally restricted even to visiting parents.

Students demanded an explanation, with one commenter angrily writing: "Either remove us girls from No. 6 or move the male students out. This makes no sense."

In response, campus authorities explained that the newcomers had just arrived from abroad and were supposed to stay in Dormitory No. 16, which was designated for international students. However, because of delays in preparing the facilities, they were temporarily accommodated in the lower floors of No. 6.

Officials emphasized that separation measures were in place, with international students assigned to the second through fourth floors, while female students lived on the higher levels. Still, many pointed out that the shared elevators and hallways meant no real safety barrier existed, leaving residents uncomfortable.

The backlash prompted swift action. By the morning of September 16, under the supervision of university leaders and with the help of security staff, the international students were relocated to Dormitory No. 16. The transfer was completed within hours.

Although the issue was resolved quickly, the controversy left many questioning the university's judgment. Online commenters argued that parents are not even allowed inside female dorms on move in day, so assigning men there, even temporarily, showed poor consideration. Some suggested alternatives, such as using classrooms, offices, or hotels for a night instead of placing men in a women only space.

The incident has also fueled wider discussion about the meaning of "internationalization" in Chinese universities. Critics argue that bringing in more foreign students should not come at the expense of fairness or student safety. As one commentator put it: "Real internationalization is not about headcounts. It is about building rules that apply equally to everyone. If domestic students' safety and rights are ignored, that is not internationalization, it is unfairness."