My Take | Trust teachers’ judgment in tackling independence sentiment in Hong Kong schools
Educators must be allowed to offer wise and informed discussion about local politics, including localism and independence
Teachers should not advocate independence in schools. In fact, I don’t think anyone should waste time on this futile and counterproductive subject, which has, of late, consumed too much of our society’s attention and resources when we are faced with many real and urgent problems.
But then, many young people are caught up with the idea or the romanticism of it. What can teachers do about it? Can they, for example, discuss it if students raise the subject?
After the tough warning issued by the Education Bureau, I would avoid the sensitive topic like a plague if I were a teacher. But it is never a good policy to tell teachers to shut up.
The bureau has warned that teachers may lose their qualifications if they are found to promote Hong Kong’s independence in schools, which it equates with “unlawful activity or misconduct”.
This came after the influential Academy of School Managers rounded on some teachers’ and education groups for promoting secession. The group’s criticism is fair enough.
But there is a fine line between advocacy and discussion. Where do you draw the line? Should education bureaucrats even try to do it?
