Recently, an incoming Columbia University graduate student had their 2022 admission offer rescinded due to inappropriate remarks.
It is reported that this new Columbia student posted a controversial status on their WeChat Moments following the recent New York subway shooting: Finally going to the U.S., buy a gun and shoot Americans. Some also claim they made similar inappropriate comments in a WeChat group.
The incident was reported and reached Columbia University administration. Ultimately, the university determined that the behavior constituted a violent threat and seriously violated school policies, resulting in the withdrawal of the admission offer.
Some classmates in the new student group noted that while the remarks might have been extreme, they may not have risen to the level of "terrorism-related" and could have just been a highly inappropriate joke.
Others noted: "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes"—this student should be held accountable for their own words.
However, most people are focusing on:
Can your social media posts really get you flagged by the university?!
Severe Consequences for Inappropriate Speech Are Nothing New
Of course, this is not the first time a U.S. university has revoked an offer or expelled a student for inappropriate remarks.
In 2020, UCLA student Secor posted hate speech on social media and was accused of participating in riots, leading to an arrest.
In 2019, a student named Kashuv, who had already received a Harvard offer, had that offer rescinded after Harvard held them accountable for editing a shared Google Doc with racially discriminatory remarks during high school.
As early as 2016, a Chinese international student at the University of Iowa posted a photo holding a gun on social media, threatening: "If the school fails me, I'll make the professors experience the same fear as during the Lu Gang incident."
This "joke" touched a nerve with the school, and the student was ultimately expelled and deported.
The Lu Gang incident: In 1991, Lu Gang, a Chinese doctoral student at the University of Iowa, shot and killed several people on campus, shocking both China and the U.S.
According to data from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), each year, more than 20% of universities rescind admission offers due to issues of academic integrity, disciplinary violations, inappropriate speech, and other reasons.
In recent years, due to political turmoil, the pandemic, and various other factors, U.S. universities have become increasingly strict in scrutinizing student speech and conduct. There is no absolute freedom of speech; studying abroad requires being cautious in word and deed.
We have also summarized some common mistakes international students make to help you avoid pitfalls.
Avoid Inappropriate Language
1. Violent or Threatening Remarks
Not every joke flies when studying abroad, especially those involving violence, war, or bombs.
Such jokes can easily be interpreted as having terrorist inclinations and lead to investigations by the school or even the government. As in the case of the expelled Columbia Engineering student mentioned at the beginning, the offer was rescinded simply because the joke referenced similar violent content.
2. Sensitive Topics
So-called "freedom of speech" abroad is not absolute; remarks involving sensitive topics are not protected under that umbrella.
Sensitive topics include, but are not limited to, race, gender, and any speech that may cause discomfort.
The University of Wisconsin previously approved a resolution stating that students found to repeatedly disrupt the free expression of others could face expulsion. This sparked dissatisfaction among some faculty and students, who felt the university was not flexible enough on sensitive topics and that students might be forced to take abuse without effective retaliation.
When even universities struggle to adjudicate such matters, it's even more difficult for students. Best to steer clear of sensitive topics.
3. Social Media Content
According to a new Kaplan survey, 66% of college admissions officers believe it is fair to use social media to help evaluate applicants, and 27% have actually visited applicants' social media profiles to learn more.
Admissions officers may look at students' TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and other mainstream social media platforms.
Of course, good news stays at home while bad news travels far and wide; once a student posts inappropriate remarks or content online, they can easily become a target. Even if already admitted, the offer may be revoked.
Avoid Misconduct
1. Application Fraud
In recent years, expulsions due to application fraud have become common. For instance, the Netflix documentary "Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal" revived the story of Olivia Jade, who had her USC offer rescinded after it was revealed she falsified credentials.
Application fraud is not limited to the college application stage. Every piece of material you submit, from online applications to visa paperwork, is permanently tied to you.
If any fraud is committed, it could resurface on a bright, sunny day in the future and lead to accusations.
For example, providing any false documentation can result in a permanent ban from entering the U.S.:
2. Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a perennial issue.
Columbia's website lists the three most common forms of academic dishonesty:
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Fabrication: Making up experimental data/results
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Falsification: Manipulating or willfully ignoring content during the experimental process
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Plagiarism: Borrowing others' content without proper citation
Of course, academic dishonesty goes beyond these forms; Columbia's site also lists other misconduct:
3. Behavioral Misconduct
Every school has its own policies on misconduct, covering everything from alcohol and drug use, student ID usage, to dormitory rules. We recommend every student review their school's regulations multiple times to avoid unknowingly violating them.
However, some actions are illegal at any U.S. school or location and require special attention:
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Sexual assault
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Dating violence
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Domestic violence
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Stalking
Students must strictly mind their behavior; once accused of any misconduct, no matter the truth, you will face significant trouble.
Final Thoughts
For international students, it may be easier to unintentionally violate rules due to unfamiliarity with the culture or laws of the host country.
To ensure your studies are not derailed by inadvertent misconduct, thoroughly understanding the laws and regulations of both your school and the host country is crucial.
Meanwhile, social media is not a lawless realm; even posting inappropriate remarks on domestic Chinese social media can carry the risk of being held accountable.
We hope all students will be prudent in their words and deeds and cherish their study-abroad experience!
