File photo taken on July 2013 shows students, some with their parents, wait to enroll for the new semester at Tsinghua University. [Photo/China Daily]

PEKING UNIVERSITY is making it mandatory for female students to take part in an aerobics performance as part of the university's sports show. They are also required to wear skirts the university will pay for. Beijing Times commented on Wednesday:

It should be realized that the school has no bad intention in organizing the women's aerobics performance, for the upcoming school sports show itself is fine. But even though the aerobics performance is suitable for a sports show, it could lead to resentment if it is a forced performance.

For female students who are worried about the skirts being too short, they can wear leggings. However, the length of the skirts is not the point, the students are saying that "if I do not want to participate in this activity, then I can choose not to".

We often say that government departments should develop policies based on listening to the public's opinions. Today's college students are more independent in their thinking.

If the organizer does not consider their feelings and does not solicit their opinions, it will be difficult to put on a good show. Even if they stand on the training ground for five points or perform in the designated uniform in the aerobatics, there will always be reluctance in their hearts that will likely be reflected in their performance if they are forced to participate.