Behavior beyond classes

Continuing controversy

Xiamen University authorities have suspended the professor who allegedly sexually harassed female students pending investigations, but online vitriol over the case continues to grow.

"Ting Yang", the online moniker used by the netizen who created a stir on the Internet with a blog "exposing" the professor's alleged acts, has hit back at those who are defending him.

The 122 students who have defended Wu Chunming are being "used" by a female student who had an affair with the professor, Ting Yang claimed.

"Rather than helping find the truth, the letter is interfering with the probe," the post by Ting Yang said.

Ting Yang was responding to a joint letter written by the students who defended Wu.

In the letter released online on July 21, the students, most of whom were tutored by Wu, claimed that the online accusations have done tremendous harm to the reputation of the professor and the university, and they felt shocked and angry.

The letter said Wu is a dedicated professor known for being strict with students.

"None of the students, including those who graduated from the university in various years, have heard about Wu sexually harassing female students," the letter said.

The letter added that Ting Yang used to be a doctoral candidate for archaeology and entered the university in 2007. She failed to obtain her doctorate due to "personal issues", it claimed.

The letter said that Ting Yang held a grudge against the professor for unknown reasons and urged the university's investigation team to find out the truth as soon as possible. The investigative team said it is encouraging the reporting of evidence that would help solve the case.