ExclusiveHead of Hong Kong’s biggest international school group admits ‘unconscious bias’ on campus after accusations of racism and sexism

English Schools Foundation head Belinda Greer pledges training on diversity and equality after students complained about teachers’ behaviour

While asking for time to implement the changes needed, she says the problem is no worse than at other institutions

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Belinda Greer, chief executive of the English Schools Foundation. Photo: May Tse

Published: 8:00am, 25 Aug 2020Updated: 8:50am, 26 Aug 2020

The head of Hong Kong’s biggest international school group which has been accused of allowing racist or sexist behaviour by teachers has admitted to “unconscious bias” on campus but stressed the problem was no worse than at other schools or businesses.

In an interview with the Post, English Schools Foundation (ESF) head Belinda Greer also revealed she had apologised to a small group of students who had made complaints, “for them feeling the way that they felt”.

Greer said teachers would receive new training on diversity and equality, while meetings had been held with pupils to express their views.

The organisation came under fire in June when a Year 13 student claimed some teachers at the ESF’s King George V School had mocked Asian students over their names and acted inappropriately towards girls with uniform checks. The claims were contained in a petition calling for changes “to both school communities and school curriculums” that attracted more than 2,400 signatories.

The English Schools Foundation operates 22 schools in Hong Kong, including King George V School. Photo: Handout

The allegations were not isolated – students and parents from at least four other ESF primary and secondary schools have told the Post they or their children had encountered similar racism on campus.