Professor Deng Xiaochao, a 62-year-old art professor at the Shandong Jianzhu University, was fired for posting a statement on the microblog, Weibo, criticizing Mao Zedong. Xiaochao has the right to express himself peacefully – that is an admirable trait for teachers of higher learning. CCS has written to the Chancellor of the university requesting Xiaochao’s reinstatement and the authority to express himself without intimidation.
June 14, 2017
Chancellor Prof. Wang Chongjie
Shandong Jianzhu University
Fengming Road
Lingang Development Zone
Jinan 250101
Shandong Province
People’s Republic of China
Tel & Fax: +86-531-86367302
E-mail: international@sdjzu.edu.cn
Dear Professor Chongjie:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write to express our concern regarding the treatment of Deng Xiaochao, a 62-year-old art professor at the Shandong Jianzhu University, who was fired for posting a statement in December on the microblog platform Weibo criticizing Mao Zedong. He was removed from both his university and provincial government positions.
Xiaochao has the right to freely and peacefully express his beliefs, and his firing is a fundamental violation of that right. Freedom of expression is absolutely essential for the proper functioning of academia. As scholars and scientists, we note that China’s aspirations for global leadership in scholarly and scientific pursuits are severely compromised when this basic freedom is disregarded.
We urge you to take steps to ensure that Xiaochao is restored to his academic position; and, going forward, is free to express his beliefs without such intimidation.
Thank you for your attention to this most serious matter, and we look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
cc.:
Acting Governor Gong Zheng
Division of Comprehensive Affairs of Foreign Affairs Office
No.1 Shengfuqianie
Jinan 250011
Shandong Province
People’s Republic of China
Tel: +86-531-8606-1762
Fax: +86-531-8692-0219
President Xi Jinping
The State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie Xichengqu
Beijingshi 100017
People’s Republic of China
Fax: 011 86 10 6238 1025
Ambassador Tiankai Cui
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
3505 International Place NW
Washington, DC 20008
Fax: 1 202 495 2138
Phone: 1 202 495 2000
Email: chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn