University of Hong Kong vice-chancellor says residential hall culture needs to align with institution’s values
Remarks by Peter Mathieson, who also says hall structures require reform to prevent bad behaviour, follow two cases of bullying
University of Hong Kong vice-chancellor Peter Mathieson has highlighted a need for “residential hall culture” to conform to the institution’s values, and for a reform of hall structures to “make bad behaviour less likely”.
In the interview with students, he also voiced support for an online course on sexual harassment, to be launched in September, which aims to help students protect themselves and their friends.
Mathieson’s remarks followed two cases of bullying involving students in the university’s halls, which have shocked the public.
In one incident, a group of students poured wax over the lower body of a student running for a hall council election, prompting him to quit the race. In the other case, a student in another hall was filmed using his genitalia to strike the head of another man, held down by at least two other males.
Although management and residents in both halls have denied that such behaviours were a part of their culture, many graduates say practical jokes bordering on bullying have had a long history in the university halls.
In the interview with HKUDOS, a blog run by students from the university, Mathieson said activities in halls had been a source of concern for the university administration.