Why Hong Kong universities are cancelling inauguration ceremonies and orientation camps this year
- HKU student union acting president calls on university to reverse decision to cancel event, saying it should be held during such a time of social unrest
- EdU’s student group cites insufficient manpower to hold camp amid support for protests
Some Hong Kong universities have cancelled or are on the verge of calling off activities welcoming newcomers for the academic year, with student unions linking the decisions to the escalating anti-government protests.
The changes came amid a worsening political crisis sparked by the now-shelved extradition bill, with young people forming the bulk of protesters. Some students among the demonstrators have said they intended to go on strike when the new school year opens in September.
On Thursday, Chinese University joined the University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University as institutions that have cancelled their inauguration ceremonies this year. CUHK said its faculties would organise different types of activities to welcome freshmen.
HKU earlier said it decided to cancel its inauguration ceremony for new students, an annual event since 1999. No reasons were given for the decision, with the ceremony originally scheduled for August 28.
“HKU reviews the content and format of activities from time to time. This year, the university has decided to let faculties arrange activities more in line with their style, and which allows more interaction between new students and existing faculty members,” an HKU spokeswoman said.