DEAN OF STUDENTS' OFFICE

Statements / Clarifications

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Overview

Issue 1

Issue 2

Issue 3

Issue 4

Category E

1. Conflicts related to postings on the Big Character Poster (BCP) Wall (September 2019)

Summary:

In late September, a series of conflicts arose relating to postings on the BCP Wall. Specifically, some students were upset by the postings placed on the BCP Wall, which they considered prejudicial and derogatory towards non-local students and removed them prior to gaining permission from the SU or DSTO who co-manage the wall (Sep 26, 2019 statement).

On one occasion, a non-local student who removed the postings was caught red-handed by a group of students, and was forced to record an apology. This recording was later circulated on social media. Scuffles also broke out between two students at the scene accompanied by an exchange of provocative and offensive gestures and words after the filming started. On another occasion, another non-local student who was filmed removing postings on the BCP Wall was later surrounded by a group of students after class. A staff member had to intervene and escort the student away after he was being surrounded for around an hour.

Claim:

The SU and its affiliated groups have repeatedly claimed that the University handled the incidents with bias and prejudice, offering favorable treatment towards the non-local students in question, specifically those from PRC.

Clarification:

DSTO completed a thorough investigation on the aforementioned incidents. As a result, the two non-local students who removed the posters from the BCP Wall received a warning letter from the University. The non-local student who initiated physical contact and the local student who responded with insulting and abusive language were both also reprimanded, noting that verbal abuse had caused the tensions to further escalate. All involved students were informed of the outcome. The investigation results are listed as case 1- 3 here.

The University has an established disciplinary process for student misbehavior, which was used to decide the outcomes for students involved in situations like the above. In sum, when an HKUST member acts inappropriately, no one should take matters into their own hands by penalizing or abusing the offending party in the ways that they deem fit – either by suppressing the speech of others, unauthorized disclosure and dissemination of personal data, or intimidation and bullying both virtually and in person. To do otherwise is not the proper attitude or behavior of an educated civilian in our society. (Sep 25, 2019 statement)

Claim:

Individuals have accused The University of coercing the poster remover into apologizing.

Clarification:

This claim about the University’s biased treatment in favor of local students is entirely incorrect. The University made it clear that it was wrong for anyone to remove postings from BCP Wall instead of raising a complaint to SU or DSTO, and it was also wrong for aggrieved individuals to resolve conflict through physical and verbal abuses. (Sep 23, 2019 statement)

The University found it undesirable that the student’s apology video was posted on SU’s Facebook page, as such act not only violated the basic principle of mutual respect, but also led to unnecessary shaming of the student. While the SU said it had obtained the student’s consent in filming, it was found upon investigation that the student never agreed to it being publicized. While SU representatives helped ease tension at the scene, the University had reminded SU that under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, they shall seek consent prior to posting personal information online.