CUHK is not above the law: university heads

Chinese University said the school will not condone unlawful activities, actions that breach university regulations, or tolerate any act that disrupts campus operations.

In an open letter, the university management, including council chairman Norman Leung, vice chancellor Rocky Tuan, as well as the heads of the institution’s nine colleges, stressed violence or illegal activities in any form are unacceptable.

“Irrespective of the number of individuals involved, we will handle each case in a most serious manner, in accordance with our educational mandate and established procedures, and mete out disciplinary and correctional measures with appropriate advice for counselling. The University is not above the law. It can neither defend individuals who are under investigation by the authorities for purported law-breaking, nor intervene in the investigations,” the letter said.

It referred to the unrest on campus in November 2019 at the height of the anti-government protests when demonstrators clashed with the police.

It also highlighted “recent incidents” which it said were “distressing”.

Last month, eight people went on a rampage at a security counter set up by the school near University MTR station, damaging facilities and throwing an unknown white powder at the guards before fleeing. A number of students were later arrested in connection with the case.

“We strongly condemn individuals, whether or not part of CUHK, who have maliciously labeled the University out of a wish to express their political viewpoints, thereby tarnishing the reputation of the University which has been built upon the hard work and dedication of its faculty, staff and students since its founding,” it added.

The university said it will continue to promote the spirit of diversity and inclusion, and remind students about the importance of respecting the law.

It added that there are established channels for stakeholders to air their views in a rational and lawful manner.

“The small number of CUHK members who have taken destructively disruptive, or even illegal, actions cannot excuse or defend their behaviour by reference to whatever demands or purposes they might claim underlie their actions. They have to be held accountable for their own acts,” the letter said.