Professor Under Fire for Publicly Shaming Student in Group Chat
A recent controversy has erupted at Hunan Normal University, where a professor, Peng Zerun, publicly shared a private chat conversation with a student in a group chat of nearly 500 people, scolding the student for being "too reliant on their mother" and implying that they were spoiled. The incident began when a student privately messaged the professor for clarification on an assignment, specifically asking for a template. Instead of just responding to the query, the professor not only answered the question but also forwarded the entire conversation to the class group chat, stating, "You must be very dependent on your mom at home, aren't you?" and "You're too smart, if you have a problem, it's something that others can't solve, and you need to ask the teacher about these things, you don't ask your classmates, you're used to relying on your mom at home, aren't you?"

24 February 2025
This public shaming sparked outrage among the student body and online community, prompting a strong reaction against the professor's handling of the situation. Many netizens questioned the professor's behavior, considering it unprofessional and potentially constituting harassment, and called for the school to investigate and take action. Some students also came forward to share their own experiences of receiving similar treatment from the professor, stating that they can empathize with the student in question. Additionally, some netizens pointed out that the student had recently transferred to the university and was unable to access previous chat records, which is why they had privately messaged the professor for clarification.
The university's Publicity Department stated that it is currently verifying the situation, and if the allegations are true, the university will take corresponding measures. The university has since launched an investigation into the matter to verify the details and determine the appropriate course of action. A student in the class group chat revealed that the university's internal meetings are being held to address the issue, and the student is waiting to see how the situation will unfold.
As the incident continues to simmer, it has raised important questions about the boundaries between teachers and students, and the need for universities to protect their students from abusive behavior. The professor, Peng Zerun, is the director of the university's language department and has a prominent role in the academic community. Despite his academic credentials, his behavior has been widely criticized, with many calling for him to be held accountable for his actions. Some netizens have also pointed out that the professor's behavior is not an isolated incident, and that there are other instances of him making inappropriate comments to students, such as asking a student to send him a photo of themselves.

The incident has sparked a heated debate online, with many questioning the professor's judgment and the university's handling of the situation. Some have defended the professor, stating that his intention was to encourage the student to be more independent, but others have argued that his methods were unacceptable and that he should have handled the situation in a more private and respectful manner. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the university will address the situation and what consequences the professor will face. The incident has also raised broader questions about the role of teachers and the need for them to maintain professional boundaries with their students.

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