Freedom of speech or Hong Kong independence? More details emerge of education row over deregistered teacher
- Authorities slam lesson plan as ‘biased and twisted’, with time devoted to study of banned separatist party and convener’s speech, as well as Taiwan discussion
- Insider says, however, that two classes were only small segment of 23-hour programme under life education subject, which focused on freedom of speech
Pupils were required to watch a documentary that touched on excerpts of a speech by Hong Kong National Party convenor Andy Chan Ho-tin. Officials said pupils were also asked to raise their hands if they agreed with the party’s manifesto.
They were then told to spend 35 minutes discussing independence for Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang, places where Beijing had asserted its sovereignty, officials added.
But an insider told the South China Morning Post that pupils only spent two out of a total of 23 hours on the topics in question as part of an overall life education subject for the year. The focus was also said to be on freedom of speech rather than advocating independence.
The life education classes took place in March last year, with the saga unfolding after a parent filed a complaint to the Education Bureau the following September over a worksheet, which asked Primary Five pupils to answer four questions on freedom of speech and independence upon watching a television documentary.