Hong Kong students expected to set high standards
- Initiation ceremonies are in the spotlight again with the arrest of a University of Hong Kong student for alleged indecent assault
Prolonged pandemic restrictions have deprived students of all ages the opportunity to learn and socialise together over the past few years.
So the return of campus life in a new Covid-free academic year understandably excites many, especially those who eagerly continue with the ritual of giving university newcomers a tough time during orientation.
However, the practice has led to at least one 20-year-old student at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) being detained by police for the alleged indecent assault of a woman, aged 18.
HKU has rightly launched an investigation into claims of sexual harassment and drug abuse during a three-day orientation camp organised by members of a society for nursing students.
HKU student bailed by Hong Kong court in orientation camp sex assault case
“The university is committed to promoting civility on campus. Any behaviour against this principle is intolerable,” it said.
Like it or not, hazing is part of university life worldwide, with new arrivals teased and often humiliated by senior students as part of acceptance or initiation ceremonies.
But sometimes they can go too far and end in scandal or even tragedy. Social media and video clips have also made such activities more visible.
The HKU case came to light following an anonymous online account of what was described as a personal experience at the event being held at the Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp in Yuen Long.
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The undergraduate said she smelled cannabis at the campsite, and told how she and others were grouped together by senior students during the activities. They were also told to wear light-coloured T-shirts during water games.
This is not the first time campus activities have gone wrong. HKU was forced to take action in the wake of a video involving bullying at a dormitory in 2017.
Two years later, a 28-year-old man faced court on indecent assault charges in connection with an engineering school orientation camp at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Such incidents may cause more harm to the victims than the image of the institutions.
Students must remember that they are on their way to becoming the elite of society, and should behave responsibly and live up to the high standards expected of them.
