Nearly two-thirds of 125 complaints of protest-related misconduct against Hong Kong teachers have been substantiated in initial probe, Education Bureau says
- Most complaints were related to hate messages, while the rest involved use of ‘extremely indecent language’ to insult others
- Some cases were also related to the use of inappropriate teaching materials and suspected engagement in illegal activities
According to a paper submitted by the Education Bureau to the Legislative Council, among 171 complaints of teachers’ misconduct during the anti-government protests, initial investigations had been completed in 125 cases, of which 78 involved wrongdoings.
A majority of the complaints were related to hate messages, while the rest involved use of “extremely indecent language” or foul language to insult others. Some cases were also related to the use of inappropriate teaching materials and suspected engagement in illegal activities.
Follow-up actions had been taken in 39 of the 78 cases, the bureau said, with 13 teachers given reprimand letters and four given warning letters, while the rest of the less serious 22 cases were issued advisory letters or verbal reminders. Another 39 cases were found to be initially substantiated, pending further review.
Most of the complaints were made through emails. While we could see the complainants’ email addresses, we are not sure whether their names are real
Teachers who received reprimand or warning letters might have their registration cancelled under the Education Ordinance if they committed similar misconduct again, the bureau warned.
Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan, permanent secretary for education, explained in the paper that the bureau would focus on whether the teachers’ acts reflected their professional ethics when determining whether a teacher was involved in misconduct.
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“The [bureau] will consider the matter from a professional perspective, focusing on whether the acts conform to the professional ethics, whether the behaviours of the teachers concerned have violated social expectations and whether these will have an adverse impact on the teaching profession or on students,” she said.
She added that each case was unique and could “hardly be generalised”, but admitted that many complaints were made anonymously.
“Most of the complaints were made through emails. While we could see the complainants’ email addresses, we are not sure whether their names are real,” said Yeung.
“Notwithstanding, as the words and deeds of teachers have a direct impact on students, the bureau has the responsibility to seriously follow up on the complaints, even [if] they are made anonymously.”
Most of the complaints were not related to teachers’ actions in class. Instead, many cases involved teachers’ comments on social media, and had not much direct linkage to teachers’ teaching performance
The bureau said on Tuesday it was “worrying and distressing” to see teachers and pupils involved in unlawful or violent acts, adding that the government would further strengthen values at schools in the coming years.
Ip Kin-yuen, education sector lawmaker and vice-president of the pro-democracy Professional Teachers’ Union, which represents about 85 per cent of the city’s educators, said the bureau’s handling of the cases was unfair as many of the complaints did not involve teachers’ misconduct while teaching students.
Teachers accused of protest-related misconduct were not given a chance to defend themselves, union says
“Most of the complaints were not related to teachers’ actions in class. Instead, many cases involved teachers’ comments on social media, and had not much direct linkage to teachers’ teaching performance,” said Ip.
Wong Kam-leung, chairman of the pro-establishment Federation of Education Workers, believed the latest figures showing more than two-thirds of teachers being found with wrongdoings was worrying.
“It is a [matter of] concern … The investigations should be handled in a fair and just manner, and those found to have committed professional misconduct should take the responsibility for their actions,” Wong said.
He added that as the social atmosphere had calmed down over the past few months, teachers should focus on protecting the community’s confidence and should not indulge in inappropriate acts.
