Zhang Haixia, a professor at an institute affiliated to the Ministry of Justice, has reportedly said that female Chinese students pursuing higher studies in France are like "super Pan Jinlian" (a character in Outlaws of the Marsh who commits adultery), sparking a heated debate on the Internet. Responding to the violent online reaction, Zhang wrote on his micro blog that people are "trying to deceive the public with false information to ruin his reputation". But he should know that freedom of speech and academic freedom is not above law, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

Irrespective of whether netizens have quoted Zhang's comment out of context, his remark, is demeaning all female students studying in France. It was irresponsible of Zhang to make such a remark to students attending a training course for judicial examinations, even though some netizens believe Zhang's remark was meant to enliven the class and is an example of freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech is relative and doesn't give anyone the license to malign others. Moreover, Zhang has the added responsibility of being a teacher.

A teacher's job is to impart knowledge (special and professional in many instances) to students in his/her class. In the age of information, students may no longer depend on teachers to gain knowledge, but a classroom is still the sanctuary of knowledge. Humor - whether it's timely or occasionally - does enliven a class.

But it does not mean that teachers can make fun of or demean a person or group of persons to clarify their points.

Teachers have the freedom to say whatever they want to explain certain things during class and have the freedom not to comply with certain accepted norms and rules, but Zhang's remark reportedly deviated from the subject of the main discussion, that is, judicial examination. Such deviations can definitely be avoided.

(China Daily 08/30/2011 page9)