Hong Kong education chiefs hit back at teachers’ union over criticism liberal studies textbook changes amount to political censorship
- Education Bureau condemns allegations by Professional Teachers’ Union and says the vetting of textbooks aims to ‘help students develop positive values’
- Union had earlier accused the bureau of carrying out ‘political censorship’ by asking publishers to remove sensitive content from liberal studies books
The Education Bureau on Wednesday condemned and expressed “deep regret” at allegations by the pro-democracy Professional Teachers’ Union (PTU) and said the vetting of textbooks aimed to “help students develop positive values”.
Six publishers, which account for most of the liberal studies textbook market, joined a voluntary consultancy service introduced by the bureau last year, with the first batch of vetted books expected to be in use this September. Liberal studies textbooks did not require the bureau’s approval, unlike those for other core subjects.
Publishers told teachers this week of the changes, which included amendments such as the removal of the phrase “separation of powers” and criticism of the mainland Chinese government.
Several political cartoons were replaced while the definition of civil disobedience also emphasised the possible criminal consequences for participants.