Harvard University Puts Cosette Wu on Probation
Harvard University has placed Taiwanese-American student Cosette Wu on disciplinary probation for disrupting a speech by China’s US Ambassador, Xie Feng. The incident occurred on April 20 during the Harvard Kennedy School China Conference. Wu protested against Beijing’s human rights abuses, leading to her removal by Chinese student Zou Hongji. While Wu faced probation, Zou was not sanctioned and received an apology from the university.
Details of the Incident
Wu’s protest aimed to highlight free speech and encourage critical thinking about the ambassador’s speech. Despite her apology, Harvard’s disciplinary board decided on probation from May 17-20. Two other students, including Tsering Yangchen, also faced probation for protesting.
Response to Zou Hongji
Zou, a master’s candidate and officer in the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, was involved in organizing the event. Although he breached the university’s policy on physical violence, he faced no sanctions due to online backlash. Harvard’s correspondence did not mention that Zou’s actions were reported to the Massachusetts State Police as assault and battery.
Doubts Revealed
Harvard University -: Harvard University is a famous school in the United States where many people go to learn and study. It is known for being one of the best universities in the world.
Probation -: Probation is like a warning given to someone when they break a rule. It means they have to be careful and follow the rules, or they might get into more trouble.
Chinese Ambassador -: A Chinese Ambassador is a person who represents China in another country. They talk to people and help make sure China and the other country get along.
Human rights abuses -: Human rights abuses are when people are treated very badly and unfairly. It means their basic rights, like being safe and free, are not respected.
Free speech rules -: Free speech rules are guidelines that allow people to say what they think, but they also have to respect others and not cause trouble or harm.
Online backlash -: Online backlash is when many people on the internet get upset about something and express their anger or disagreement. It can happen on social media or other online platforms.
