University of Hong Kong cites ‘instability’ as it denies mourning venue after fire
Student publication Undergrad says HKU did not provide detailed reason for refusal but cited concerns of ‘social instability’ and ‘force majeure’
Hong Kong’s oldest university refused to provide a venue for students to mourn the victims of the Tai Po fire, citing concerns of “social instability” and “force majeure”, according to its campus publication.
In a reply to the Post, a University of Hong Kong (HKU) spokesman said on Monday the institution had maintained communication with representatives from student organisations over venue applications, which were assessed in accordance with established guidelines.
But he did not address the specific issue of the venue for a memorial event.
Eight student societies at HKU issued a joint statement in the wake of the November 26 blaze that raged through seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, claiming at least 161 lives.
The groups called on the government to respond to public calls – such as providing support to the affected residents and ensuring accountability – and said they planned to hold campus events on campus to mourn the victims.
But five of the eight societies told the student-run publication, Undergrad, that the university had refused to provide them with a venue for a planned memorial service, prompting them to eventually cancel the event earlier this month.