Seven Hong Kong student unions label removal of independence banners an ‘erosion of academic autonomy’
In solidarity with Chinese University, student unions condemn their school management for what they call a clampdown on freedom of speech
Banners and posters advocating Hong Kong independence surfaced at more universities across the city on Wednesday, as seven student unions joined forces to condemn the removal of such material by campus authorities as a “serious erosion” of academic freedom.
The unions from City University, Hang Seng Management College, Lingnan University, Polytechnic University, Education University, Open University and Chinese University issued a joint open letter defending the proliferation of material promoting Hong Kong’s separation from China.
“Freedom of speech and thought is a God-given human right. People may disagree with views on independence, but [anyone] should enjoy the right to talk about it,” the letter said.
“The suppression of such ideas by the school not only deprives students of political rights, but is a humiliation to academic freedom.”
The controversy began on Monday with at least three large black banners bearing the words “Hong Kong independence” in Chinese and English appearing at Chinese University in Sha Tin as the new academic year kicked off.
