No place for disruptive political protests at Chinese University, new president says
Rocky Tuan opens lines of communications with student leaders but emphasises political boundaries that must not be crossed
The president of the second oldest university in Hong Kong has once again stressed that the campus is a place for academia and knowledge, not one for political wrestling.
In a wide-ranging interview, the first since his new appointment, Dr Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, Chinese University’s vice chancellor and president, said that while freedom of expression is a cornerstone for the institution, there is a bottom line for all students and staff taking part in politics.
“We have to do it in a peaceful, rational, and mutually respectful [manner],” he said.
We have to do it in a peaceful, rational, and mutually respectful [manner]
The identity of those responsible for posting the materials was unclear, but the university’s student union vowed to keep them up to protect free speech.
In January, a student society for discussing the city’s breakaway from China was set up and is on a trial period.
Hong Kong university condemns independence calls again as student group adds members
The new club, named the Society for the Study of Hong Kong Independence, and under CUHK’s student union, aims to study the feasibility of Hong Kong independence; provide a platform for members to discuss it while safeguarding freedom of speech and academic freedom; raise awareness of independence topics; and organise related activities.
Tuan, who has been in office since January, said that he had met with students four times in the past three months, including student union executive committee members and mainland students.
He stressed that he would continue to maintain this relationship.
