Following a recent deadly fire in Sham shui po that killed at least 83 people on November 26th, Hong Kong Polytechnic University has taken steps to limit student expression on campus. The university restricted access to a student notice board used to memorialize the fire victims and has suspended the operations of its student union, raising concerns about academic freedom and civic engagement in the region. These actions come as Hong Kong continues to navigate the complexities of its relationship with mainland China under the framework of “One Country, two Systems” [[1]].
Hong Kong University Students Face Campus Restrictions Following Memorial
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has restricted access to a campus notice board and suspended operations of its student union, escalating tensions following a memorial event for residents who died in a recent fire. The actions come amid concerns over shrinking civic space in the city, and highlight the increasing pressure on student activism.
The university took action after students used the notice board to post messages commemorating the victims of a fire at Marco Polo Residence in Sham Shui Po on November 26. University authorities subsequently surrounded the board with water barriers and took control of the space, according to reports.
PolyU also issued a notice to the student union, ordering it to cease all operations and vacate its premises by 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. The move effectively suspends the student union’s activities indefinitely.
The student union had previously called on the government to respond to demands related to the fire, and the notice board became a focal point for expressing those concerns. University officials reclaimed the use of the notice board after the memorial postings appeared.
On.cc reported that the student union received a notice from the university informing them of the indefinite suspension of operations and a deadline to remove all materials from their office.
The actions at PolyU follow a broader pattern of restrictions on student and political expression in Hong Kong. The case underscores the tightening control over freedoms in the region.
In an opinion piece published by the Epoch Times, commentator Tsang Chi-hau questioned the implications of the national security law on the freedoms of expression and assembly in Hong Kong, asking, “National security has been implemented, but where is home?”
Ming Pao News reported that the memorial messages posted by students were surrounded by barriers and netting.
Yahoo News HK detailed the initial confrontation, noting that the memorial postings were met with a swift response from the university, which moved to control the space and notify the student union of its suspension.
Hong Kong 01 reported that the student union’s call for government accountability regarding the fire was met with the university’s decision to revoke their access to the notice board.
