As an undergraduate student reading law and politics at the University of Hong Kong, I think I have to agree with Benny Tai Yiu-ting , my former teacher, that his dismissal over the convictions from the Occupy Central movement marked “the end of academic freedom in Hong Kong”. 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. From my experience as his former student in three law courses , I think Tai separated his roles of social activist and university professor very clearly. His teaching materials, including legal precedents and academic journal articles, provided different perspectives on the same issue. 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. 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 The HKU ruling body includes six individuals appointed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, six public trustees, several teachers and two students – and this body is vested with the supreme power of management, including that of staff appointments. Under this set-up, it is open to question whether the university is a nurturing place for teachers and students or a puppet for the government. Wincy Yim, North Point