A college in east China has ignited heated discussion online as to whether it’s proper for schools to post photos of students hugging and kissing in public.

Since Tuesday, teachers and students passing by the Shandong Foreign Languages Vocational College’s canteen have been confronted with two photo ‍display boards, showing 33 examples of students engaged in so-called uncivilized behavior. The college says the displays are an attempt to “boycott uncivilized phenomenon and create a civilized and harmonious campus.”

The photos -- showing students smoking, raising pets, holding each other by hands, hugging and kissing -- were captured either by surveillance cameras or student council members. Above the photos is written: “Article 13 of disciplinary regulation of students. Hugging, kissing, and other such actions in public are uncivilized phenomenon. Those who ignore discourage will be given a warning or even more severe punishment.”

Ma, the director of the school's work committee, told local news site Dazhong Website that the boards are based on a government document issued in 2015 titled "Ministry of Education and Central Civilization Office’s implementation opinions about carrying out activities to create a civilized campus”, which encourages schools to expose uncivilized behavior.

Chinese netizens are divided. While some agree that such behavior is improper and needs to be exposed, others claim that what the college did was an invasion of privacy.

“If you do it at school, you’re crossing the line. Go into a room or somewhere. Just not on campus. The college did nothing wrong,” Weibo user @xiaotaaixiaota wrote.

“The students are adults and have the right to express love. The college can ban it, but not in this way,” Weibo user @xielaoban held a different view.

Ma insisted the college respects the students' privacy, and never show the faces of those violating the school policies. He added that the college does not oppose student dating, but everything has its limits. “When your identity is a college student, plus you’re in public places, you have to pay more attention to words and deeds.” He added that the display boards will help establish a positive image of today’s college students.

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