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Letters

I refer to your report, “Hong Kong teacher stripped of registration for purportedly spreading ‘independence’ message in classroom materials, lesson plans” (October 6).
I do not support the Education Bureau's move to deregister the primary school teacher over allegedly promoting Hong Kong independence in life education classes last year.
First, the video and work sheet shared with students did not spread any message that Hong Kong should be independent. The questions on the homework asked about the reasons people propose independence, according to what was shown in the video. The video just explained the situation of Hong Kong nowadays and also conveyed how there could be more than one voice in society. Therefore, students were able to learn what freedom of speech is via the teaching worksheet.
Hong Kong school head laments decision to strip teacher of right to work
However, the Education Bureau chose to strip the teacher of his registration without disclosing the full context of the incident, and even warned other teachers who were suspected of such acts.
These actions have caused a chilling effect among educators. It will mean more teachers will be reluctant to speak freely and this will lower the credibility of the bureau.
Sally Tse, Kwai Chung
Teachers still have their rights as Hong Kong citizens
I refer to the article, “More Hong Kong teachers in firing line, as education minister reveals ‘relatively serious’ cases being processed after one is banned for life” (October 10).
Unquestionably, the situation of teachers in Hong Kong is deteriorating. The Education Bureau’s restrictions are tightening, and it has repeatedly emphasised its power to revoke teachers’ licences, even if they do not violate the law. Events such as the reviewing of liberal studies textbooks, advice to remove some books from school libraries and following up on anonymous complaints against teachers are gradually creating an atmosphere of “white terror”.
Whether it is designing teaching materials or speaking in lessons, it is better for teachers to think twice before expressing their opinion to students. They should avoid discussing recent social events in class or including Hong Kong political issues in assignments. However, if this were to actually happen, are these teachers still being professional?
Teachers have a responsibility to help students learn about all kinds of topics, but this is not exclusive of political issues. They are supposed to help students develop critical thinking, not deliberately hide the dark side of society. Sometimes teachers refrain from revealing their stance about controversial issues and leave it to the students to form an opinion on their own. However, that does not keep them safe from being the subject of complaints.
Lam vows more action after Hong Kong teacher removed for promoting independence
There is no denying the working situation of teachers is worsening, and it is crucial to point out that the government and the public should not have excessive requirements of teachers.
Being a teacher is part of their identity but, like every other Hong Kong citizen they, too, have the right to express their opinions. It is worth reflecting on whether Hong Kong has a professional and independent education system that allows the pursuit of a healthy and positive learning environment for future generations.
Crystal Xu, Kwai Chung


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Education

Was life ban on Hong Kong teacher really necessary?

Students at a primary school in Wan Chai pray for the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong to ease, after classes resumed briefly in June. Photo: Nora Tam

Life ban on Hong Kong teacher: two wrongs don’t make a right

A barge displays large banners spelling out the slogan “Celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland”, as it sails across Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on July 1. The national security law for Hong Kong came into effect at 11pm the previous day. Photo: Xinhua

Did deregistered Hong Kong teacher receive the fair hearing he deserved?

Michelle Li Mei-sheung, Permanent Secretary for Education, and Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Education, meet the press at Tamar on October 6. Photo: Dickson Lee

More than 20,000 Hong Kong schoolteachers, students and parents join email campaign against teacher’s deregistration after independence discussion

Hong Kong Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung (right) and Permanent Secretary for Education Michelle Li. The petition campaign sent emails to the pair, denouncing the deregistration of a teacher. Photo: Dickson Lee

Andy Chan Ho-tin, leader of the banned Hong Kong National Party, is seen at the protests. 12JUN19

The exterior view of Alliance Primary School in Kowloon Tong. 06OCT20 SCMP / Felix Wong

Hong Kong teacher delisted over lesson plan covering independence to file appeal on Monday

The teacher worked at the private Alliance Primary School in Kowloon Tong. Photo: Felix Wong

Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung meets the media before the Executive Council meeting at the Central Government Offices in Tamar. 17DEC19 SCMP / May Tse

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung photographed at the Central Government Offices in Admiralty. 07MAY20 SCMP / Xiaomei Chen

How Hong Kong Education Bureau can do more to halt discussion of independence in schools

Permanent Secretary for Education Michelle Li and Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung meet the press at the government headquarters in Admiralty on October 6. Photo: Dickson Lee

Letters | Was life ban on Hong Kong teacher really necessary?