Redesign of Chinese University emblem sparks heated words between lawmakers and alumni in Hong Kong
- Lawmakers accuse Chinese University of stripping away important cultural nods following unveiling of new crest
- But some alumni say change is for university’s greater good, warning legislators not to politicise redesign
A redesign of the crest of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has sparked a debate among legislators accusing the institution of poor governance and some alumni warning against politicising the rebranding.
Some lawmakers, who also sat on the institution’s governing council, on Tuesday said they were shocked to discover the city’s second-oldest university had updated the emblem, accusing the institution of removing elements fundamental to Chinese culture without conducting a consultation beforehand.
“It treats us as if we, the governing council, are dead,” legislator Tommy Cheung Yu-yan said.
But a university spokesman said the changes were discussed with the governing body at an event last year, with members also invited to share their views during a consultation period.
“The university also handed the final proposal to the executive committee of the governing council at a meeting on September 22,” he said.
The new emblem, which was revealed on Monday, features a golden phoenix on a purple background. The redesign retained the colours and symbol of the old version, but no longer halved the shield to apply the purple and gold in a reversed format.