National security law: Hong Kong independence ‘not off-limits’ in classroom discussions, head of two elite schools says
- While not taboo on campus, the topic must only be discussed in academic way that does not promote the idea, Stephen Chow says
- Head of the Wah Yan colleges is among those preparing for pupils’ return to school under the national security legislation
The head of two elite schools has said Hong Kong independence and other sensitive topics are not taboo on campus under the national security law, as long as discussions refer to different perspectives and do not advocate concepts such as separatism.
Wah Yan Hong Kong and Wah Yan Kowloon colleges also said they would incorporate national security education into their curriculum in adherence to guidelines the Education Bureau was expected to issue, while neutrality would be preserved in their teaching.
The legislation which Beijing imposed on the city on June 30 targets acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security. It also requires the promotion of national security education at schools.
Father Stephen Chow Sau-yan, supervisor of both colleges, which are run by the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus, said that schools had a responsibility to teach students about the legislation.
“It should be [presented] as an objective fact, no matter whether one agrees with the law or not. That does not mean that we are taking sides,” he said in an interview last week.
