Media

HKU statement in response to media enquiry

26 Aug 2016

 

The University of Hong Kong is committed to the core principles of One Country, Two Systems, which include protection of freedom of speech. The senior management’s position on the debate about Hong Kong independence is that this is not a realistic option. More importantly, it would not be in the best interests of the University. The University of Hong Kong was established 105 years ago as an English-speaking university for China and we remain committed to ever closer working ties with universities and institutions in the Mainland. We do not wish the University to be distracted from its main mission of delivering on our vision to be “Asia’s Global University”.

The cornerstones of our University are institutional autonomy and academic freedom, freedom of thought, of speech, and of assembly, including on sensitive and/or controversial issues. This must be a place where different opinions can be debated and respected. It must be a place of reason, liberty and diversity. However, freedoms come with responsibilities. There is no place in the University for hatred, offensive language or behaviour, or violence. Members of the University should respect the law and should understand and accept the consequences of their actions. Within these parameters, debate on complex issues is healthy.