The School of Physics at Nanjing University did not provide a specific reason for Xu’s rejection, but an official stated that there were numerous complaints about him mistreating cats. It is believed that the viral posts of Xu torturing and killing cats in his dorm room played a significant role in his application being denied. According to the university’s admissions guidelines, applicants’ “moral and political qualifications” are considered, and failure to meet those criteria may result in rejection.
After coming under fire on social media for his actions against cats, Xu was investigated by police in Nanjing. He received education from officers, and his parents were involved, but no punishment was imposed. Despite this, Xu expressed remorse and wrote a letter of apology, vowing not to repeat his actions.
Following his rejection by Nanjing University, Xu applied to Lanzhou University in northwestern China and was granted an interview. However, he declined to speak with a mainland news outlet and expressed concern about public opinion. The case has sparked a debate about ethics, animal welfare, and the importance of talent in the academic field.
Some people believe that Xu should face severe consequences for his actions against cats, while others argue that nurturing a science researcher is more important than the treatment of animals. The school official emphasized that incidents of cat abuse were taken seriously and likely influenced the admission decision. However, ultimately it is up to each individual institution to decide what moral and political qualifications are necessary for admission into their programs.
In conclusion, while some may see Xu’s actions as unjustifiable cruelty towards animals, others may see them as minor infractions that should not be held against him when considering his overall qualifications as an aspiring nuclear physicist. This case highlights the importance of considering both ethical considerations and academic qualifications when making decisions regarding admissions into universities or other educational institutions.