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Hong Kong protests
Hong KongEducation

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology launches clampdown against intimidation, doxxing and hate as protest turmoil infects another city institution

  • Security strengthened, student group’s affiliation suspended and disciplinary procedures opened at the public university
  • Leadership warns of legal consequences following reports of physical harassment, malicious leaking of private data and intimidation, including a forced apology to camera

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Reports of physical harassment, online hate and other forms of intimidation on campus have led Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to take action. Photo: Winson Wong
Victor Ting

A university in Hong Kong is the latest institution to become embroiled in the protest chaos as senior management condemned escalating physical harassment and doxxing on campus, opened disciplinary procedures against some students and strengthened security.

In a strongly worded letter seen by the Post, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s public affairs office wrote on behalf of the university management to all staff and students deploring the “malicious disclosure of personal information in the public domain, and hateful social media postings”.

The note was issued two days after its leadership warned against a rising number of reports of bullying, including a student being forced to apologise on camera on September 24 for removing messages from the university’s democracy wall, which champions the demands of the anti-government movement sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill.

In the latest letter, the university listed four actions it had taken including requesting that Facebook remove the account ProgressUST for spreading hatred and discrimination, and asking the student union to axe the group from its list of affiliated societies. The union has suspended the organisation.

Bullying, coercion and physical offences have been reported as the university in Sai Kung faces up to bitter protest-related divisions echoed across society. Photo: Shutterstock
Bullying, coercion and physical offences have been reported as the university in Sai Kung faces up to bitter protest-related divisions echoed across society. Photo: Shutterstock

ProgressUST was established in 2012, drawing its membership from students and graduates who had previously taken part in protests at the university.

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