Recently, a netizen claiming to be a senior high school student at Yulin Wubu Middle School in Shaanxi stated that she was molested by her class teacher, Mr. Ma. Subsequently, Mr. Ma defended himself, saying he “treated her like a daughter,” and he wasn’t suspended by the school afterward, sparking public concern.
On February 18th, local school authorities and the Education Bureau responded, stating that the male teacher involved was suspended from duty and classes on the evening of February 17th, and an investigation into the misconduct is underway.
According to the netizen’s post, she, a student of the third year (equivalent to Grade 12) at Wubu Middle School, was called to the office by her class teacher, Mr. Ma, under the pretext of discussing her grades. “He held my right hand and then reached for my left hand from behind. My left hand was injured, so he got a band-aid and helped me put it on. Throughout the process, I struggled, but he kept holding me and would bring up unrelated topics, such as saying I’m very pretty, and other inappropriate remarks.”
The post further described the girl’s fear, as Mr. Ma was her class teacher and there was no one else in the building. “After about ten minutes, when I wanted to return to the classroom, he hugged me tightly, preventing me from leaving. My mind went blank, and my body stiffened… Then, he forcefully pulled me closer and kissed me on the face. I pushed him away and ran back to the classroom.”
The post revealed that the girl had informed her father about the incident. In the WeChat screenshots of the conversation between her father and Mr. Ma, Mr. Ma repeatedly stated, “I have treated your daughter like my own for the past two years,” “If you trust me, for the next four months, I will treat her like my own child. If you don’t trust me, the principal promised to change her class,” and “If I die, she will feel relieved.”
In February 2024, Mr. Ma sent a text message to the girl involved, saying, “Everyone should have a conscience. If you make mistakes, I will forgive you and give you a chance. I will do the same. What about changing the class teacher and subject teacher? Have you considered the other forty-odd students? There are only four months left, which are important for you and other students,” and “You need to consider the consequences and impact.” The principal also remarked, “How can we delay over 40 other students because of one girl?”
According to the Chinese media “Xiaoxiang Morning Post,” the local school principal confirmed that Mr. Ma was the class teacher of a certain Grade 12 class at the school and stated that he had been suspended pending investigation. However, regarding whether Mr. Ma engaged in suspected molestation, the principal stated that the Education Bureau had intervened to investigate the matter, saying, “The actual situation depends on the investigation results.”
It is reported that the teacher involved was the class teacher and taught Chinese language. “His entire work has been suspended, and we have selected reliable teachers from other grade levels to serve as the new class teacher and subject teacher,” the principal said. The school is also monitoring the emotional state of the students involved. “The situation is currently fine, and the parents also agree with the school’s current handling.”
On February 18th, a staff member of the Wubu County Education Bureau revealed that various departments are currently handling the matter. The teacher involved was suspended from duty and classes on the evening of February 17th, and further investigations are underway. The school has also communicated with the student involved. “The school has met with the parties involved and their parents. Currently, the student’s mental state is very good.”