Running for the People's Congress triggers academic credential fraud, lost trust is hard to regain
[4] Compiled from: Red Star News
Case review
[2] On November 9, a screenshot of Li Jiaqi’s candidate announcement for the Pudong New Area People’s Congress in Shanghai’s 198th electoral district circulated online, sparking heated discussion. The “education” column listed Li Jiaqi as having a “high school degree,” leading netizens to question the authenticity of his academic credentials.
[3] On May 2 this year, Li Jiaqi publicly sent birthday wishes to his alma mater, Nanchang University, on its 100th anniversary. In a video, Li Jiaqi said: “Ten years ago, I came to the School of Art and Design with dreams to study professional knowledge and found my interest. Now, I have become an internet marketing professional. I wish my alma mater, Nanchang University, continued success.”
[4] Additionally, Nanchang University has frequently mentioned Li Jiaqi on its official Weibo account, and several Nanchang University students have stated that Li Jiaqi is a 2011 alumnus. Li Jiaqi also filmed a promotional video for Nanchang University’s admissions.
[5] Regarding Li Jiaqi’s high school degree, a representative from MeiONE responded: Li Jiaqi did indeed study at Nanchang University but left early due to work reasons. “In all our previous external filings, the highest education level listed was high school.”
[6] On the afternoon of November 10, the Alumni Affairs Office of Nanchang University issued a “Statement on the Situation of Alumnus Li Jiaqi,” which mentioned: Recently, we have noticed online discussions about alumnus Li Jiaqi. After verification, Li Jiaqi was a full-time undergraduate student in the Dance major at Nanchang University’s Class of 2011, studying at the school for nearly four years. He left early due to work reasons and was granted a certificate of completion.
[1] Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate on the Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases of Forging and Selling Forged Higher Education Institution Diplomas and Degree Certificates (2001)
[2] For the act of forging the seal of a higher education institution to produce diplomas or degree certificates, a conviction and punishment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Article 280, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law, under the crime of forging the seal of a public institution. Anyone who knowingly sells forged diplomas or degree certificates produced with a forged seal of a higher education institution shall be punished as an accomplice to the crime of forging the seal of a public institution.
"Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China"
[3] Article 280 [Crime of Forging Seals of Companies, Enterprises, Public Institutions, and People's Organizations]
Whoever forges seals of companies, enterprises, institutions, or people's organizations shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than three years, criminal detention, public surveillance, or deprivation of political rights, and shall also be fined.
[1] The author's perspective
[4] Regarding this matter, although Li Jiaqi was admitted to Nanchang University, he did not graduate normally but only completed the coursework. When Li Jiaqi filled in his educational background during the election for the People's Congress representative, he reported it as high school level. From this perspective, it does not constitute academic fraud. The reason this has caused such a strong reaction online is, first, because Li Jiaqi is a popular internet celebrity in recent years with high visibility, so even a small incident easily attracts public attention. Second, it coincides with the election of People's Congress representatives, drawing widespread public focus. Third, in recent years, many internet celebrities and stars have been exposed for academic fraud, making it not just a topic of casual conversation but also a matter concerning the credibility of the fraudsters and the series of operations behind such fraud.
[5] Previously, there was the case of Zhai Tianlin, a doctoral student at Beijing Film Academy, who was unaware of CNKI, and later Tong Zhuo, who changed from a previous graduate to a fresh graduate. These celebrities involved in academic fraud have long since disappeared. Why does the public react so strongly to such fraudulent incidents? According to the above legal provisions, academic fraud may involve criminal offenses, and it also violates moral boundaries. In today's society, academic qualifications are a common standard of assessment. If someone uses forged qualifications to gain opportunities, it will severely disrupt social balance and be unfair to others. Therefore, we firmly oppose the emergence of such disgraced celebrities and internet influencers. The Li Jiaqi incident has once again pushed academic fraud into the spotlight. Fortunately, this time it presents a positive image, but it also serves as a warning to those with ill intentions: the public has sharp eyes, and one should stay grounded in daily life without harboring侥幸心理.
