New hope as students return to universities damaged in Hong Kong protests
- Security has been stepped up at places of learning that need to quickly recover so they can get back to the important business of teaching
The occupation of universities in November was a pivotal development in Hong Kong’s anti-government protests, which have lasted seven months.
Clashes between protesters and police escalated, and campuses became battlegrounds. Tensions only eased after a 13-day siege at Polytechnic University ended peacefully. At least six universities were occupied, facilities trashed and hazardous materials seized by protesters from laboratories.
Thousands of petrol bombs were made, along with other weapons, to battle police who responded with tear gas. Many students from the mainland returned home to escape the troubles.
It is not surprising that these disturbing events caused severe disruption to teaching and learning with classes having to be cancelled. The term was effectively brought to a premature end.
Tutors had to turn to online learning, some classes were held in hotels and alternative arrangements had to be made for assignments and exams. It was an anxious time for students and staff alike, whether they supported or opposed the protest movement.
Now, students are returning to class. Chinese University, which suffered some of the most severe damage to its campus during a five-day occupation, opened on time this week. Polytechnic University, scene of the siege, starts term on Monday. But the environment students return to will not be quite the same as before.