Advertisement
Hong Kong protests
Hong KongEducation

Hong Kong universities step up security leaving students and staff facing guards, gates and fencing just to get to class

  • Eight publicly funded institutions respond to violence of anti-government protests by tightening access to campuses
  • At some of the most badly damaged institutions entry will only be granted with proper ID or a permit

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0
A security guards stands near a newly installed gate at an entrance to Polytechnic University’s campus in Hung Hom. Photo: Edmond So
Chan Ho-him

Hong Kong universities reopen for classes over the next few days with students facing heightened security and stricter access to campuses, weeks after radicals vandalised several buildings during anti-government protests.

All of the city’s eight publicly funded institutions told the Post students and staff would have to show or scan their university cards before being allowed onto campus, with security guards at entrances and patrolling sites across Hong Kong.

In November, protesters entered at least six universities, and blocked nearby roads, and vandalised buildings. Laboratories at three universities were broken into, with dangerous materials stolen and research projects affected.

Education minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung later suggested universities needed to improve their management and consider restricting entry into campuses and dormitories.

Polytechnic University has installed turnstiles at its entrances as part of increased security. Photo: Handout
Polytechnic University has installed turnstiles at its entrances as part of increased security. Photo: Handout

Chinese University’s (CUHK) campus in Sha Tin suffered some of the worst damage, leaving it with a repair bill of some HK$70 million. The second semester begins on Monday, and the university said staff, students and alumni are required to present their university ID cards before entry.

Advertisement