Letters | Hong Kong protests: firing Benny Tai did mark the end of academic freedom in city
- Former student believes Tai separated his roles of social activist and university professor very clearly, and HKU council’s decision to dismiss him raises grave concerns about its independence from government influence
An HKU statement said it had acted “in light of the judgment of the courts” and decided on termination for “good cause”.
HKU’s mission is to develop a pluralistic and supportive intellectual environment for scholars and students. Professors, as qualified experts in their respective field, are expected to contribute their expertise to public discourse and policy debates. Amid Beijing’s blatant intrusion into “one country, two systems”, professors in the fields of law and social sciences have been prompted to initiate multiple social movements to bring about actual changes for the future of Hong Kong. The unfettered expression from these people has actively raised political awareness and stimulated civil conversation in society.
Hong Kong’s common law system mimics that in the United Kingdom to a large extent, and it is common practice for students in common law jurisdictions to examine a range of legal precedents for their studies. I did not see how he intended to promote or in any way indoctrinate his students in certain ideologies.
02:13
University of Hong Kong sacks Occupy leader Benny Tai
As for the modes of assessment, we are free to express our views regardless of our position, as long as it is well-argued with logic and reason. Moreover, I cannot understand why such a recognised mode of study or his teaching in class is in any way a detriment to his professionalism as a teacher.
Convicted activist Benny Tai keeps tenured job at HKU, for now
Wincy Yim, North Point
