On the topic of pro-independence talk at schools, Leung said if authorities did not tackle calls for the city to split from the mainland, separatism would spread.

He maintained that if students wished to discuss the city’s sovereignty, it should be done under the guidance of teachers and within the context of the Basic Law.

Pro-independence advocacy in the city’s schools has been on the rise since the new term began in September.

On Wednesday, students from the HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity in Kowloon City pasted stickers saying “I stand for Hong Kong Independence” around the campus. Pro-independence slogans were also spray-painted on a staircase.

Sunnie Hung Sum-in, founder of the localist concern group at the arts and design school, said the school removed the slogans on Thursday.

Hung claimed that the school took the action on the advice of the Education Bureau and that the school discussed the removal of slogans with students before acting.

The bureau did not confirm or clarify whether it had issued a statement to the school to remove the slogans. “Part of the Education Bureau’s work is to maintain close contact with schools and to offer advice and appropriate support on the school’s development,” it said.
However, the statement added that the bureau had already made it clear that any activities advocating independence should not appear on campus as it did not comply with the Basic Law, and schools should follow up with “appropriate action”.

Members of the localist group at the school said they were allowed to hand out fliers at the school entrance and that students distributing leaflets on campus went unchallenged.
The school did not respond to the Post’s inquiries.