Bad idea

Tao Duanfang (New Express Daily): Peking University began to push forward a so-called "consultation" program to help 10 categories of students having problems, including those having "radical thinking."

The term of "radical thinking" is shocking. Is "radical thinking" forbidden at Peking University?

Anyone with a common sense knows one can't behave "radically." If they act radically against the law, they will be punished by the law. If they do so against moral standards, they will be subjected to moral criticism. But thoughts are not actions, as they are totally a part of oneself and do not affect others. It's one's freedom to think in a mild and peaceful way or in a radical way. People are free to talk or even debate with others about their thoughts, and criticize others and get criticized in the process.

Modern society is tolerant to diverse thoughts and ideas. The so-called "radical thinking" is nothing but ideas different from those of the majority of people. It's normal for youth to be mentally "radical," and it is unnecessary for the school to correct these "radical" thoughts. Any attempt to snuff out the sparks of wild mind has been condemned for thousands of years. To get rid of students' "radical" thoughts and make them conform to a so-called standard is going against human nature.

Liberalism and freedom of thinking have always been the academic atmosphere of Peking University, on which the university prides itself. Since the early 20th century, the university has been able to cherish and respect this tradition by selecting faculty who are good in certain academic areas, do well at teaching and also have unique personalities.

Students are still in the period of learning and growing up. They need to open their minds to various thoughts. Freedom of thinking is the precondition for academic maturity and progress. Even if they are radical in thinking, they don't need the interference of a "consultation" program.

As long as they do not impose a massive, harmful impact on society, thoughts are allowed to be different. The so-called "radical" thoughts to some people may not be "radical" at all. Universities are academic institutions to nurture independence and freedom in thinking. It's improper to force "consultation" on so-called "radical" students.

Luqiu Luwei (www.cnr.cn): Peking University says the "consultation" program aims to help students. When students encounter difficulties they find hard to overcome by themselves, the school will invite experts to perform comprehensive analyses of such students' specific situation and work out help and support programs for them.

But why doesn't the media or the public understand the good intentions of the university, while just focusing on "radical thinking?" One of the reasons is Peking University carries too great expectations and hopes from the Chinese. How many people yearn for a university guided by the principles of liberalism and freedom of thought! It is a place producing great talent and, more importantly, it is a free area for varied thinking.

Just because of this, the words "radical thinking" caught people's eye. What is the criteria for "radical thinking?" For example, some people may think those students criticizing the school's practice in raising food prices in the canteen may be "radical." But, the problem lies more in the pricing procedure than in how much the prices have risen. If there are proper reasons and procedures for price rises, there wouldn't be so much criticism. If the school neglects the reasons the students speak out and blames them generally for being "radical," it is risking stifling students' freedom of independent thinking and speech.

The university put forward the extreme case of Ma Jiajue, a student in Yunnan University who killed his classmates due to psychological problems resulting from poor and pressured life, to prove it is necessary to launch a "consultation" program, saying that without timely help, psychological problems may result in tragedy. This is true, but Ma is an extreme case. It's his classmates' bad attitude toward poor students that kindled the flame of revenge of Ma. When students need school's help, they may resort to relevant departments, and it's the school's obligation. However, forcing help to students is another thing, especially when the students are not free to refuse such help.