HONG KONG, 2025-06-20 15:52:00
Warning too Educators
Hong Kong teachers are being cautioned to avoid US Independence Day celebrations to adhere to national security laws.
- Teachers in Hong Kong have been advised to steer clear of US Independence Day events.
- The advisory comes from the education bureau, citing national security concerns.
- Schools are tasked with monitoring activities that could perhaps violate national security.
Are teachers in Hong Kong being told to avoid Fourth of July celebrations? Yes, educators in Hong Kong are reportedly being warned against participating in US Independence Day festivities due to potential breaches of national security laws, according to allegations from educators.
A text message, allegedly from a Hong Kong school principal, was sent to staff. It stated that the education bureau’s regional office reminded them to “be careful about Independence Day activities organised by the US consulate in Hong Kong, and not to participate to avoid violating the national security law and Hong Kong laws”.
The text was published on Edu Lancet, a Facebook page managed by Hans Yeung, a former manager at the Hong Kong Examinations and assessment Authority. Yeung’s post urged staff to be diligent in “protecting” students who were considering participating in such events and to dissuade them.
Another email, also shared on Edu Lancet, instructed faculty staff that they needed permission from the principal to attend any event hosted by a foreign embassy or an association funded by an embassy, for the purpose of “maintaining national security”.
Government Response and Guidelines
The Hong kong education bureau has not confirmed or denied the claims. In a statement,the bureau saeid it had implemented policies to assist schools in “effectively prevent and suppress acts and activities that endanger or are detrimental to national security.”
“Schools have the obligation to play a good gatekeeper role and to enhance the sensitivity of teachers and students to national security.”
The bureau further stated that it has enacted “clear guidelines” for schools requiring them to “establish school-based mechanisms and formulate appropriate measures, according to their own circumstances and needs, to implement various tasks related to safeguarding national security and national security education”. However, the bureau didn’t clarify which laws could be broken by attending a Fourth of July event.
Context of restrictions
These directives align with the tightened restrictions on Hong Kong’s education system and the push to center the curriculum more on national security, coinciding with the Chinese government’s increased control of the city. The imposition of a national security law in 2019 by the ruling Chinese Communist party broadly outlawed dissent and opposition as violations against the state.
In 2020, Carrie Lam, the then chief executive, criticized the education system for contributing to the pro-democracy protests, thereby setting the stage for ongoing reforms.
The Hong Kong government has since modified the school curriculum to integrate national security teachings across subjects like English language, music, math, and sports, while also promoting patriotic education. It has banned texts deemed to endanger national security.
Teachers in Hong Kong have previously reported pressure to self-censor due to concerns about being labeled unpatriotic.Since the 2023-24 school year, all new teachers in public sector schools must pass an exam on the Basic Law and the national security law.
Hong Kong’s education minister, Christine Choi, has continuously warned against “soft resistance” in schools and has emphasized that educators must be vigilant against “hostile forces” infiltrating through activities like book fairs.
The Evolving Role of Education in Hong Kong
The recent warnings too Hong Kong teachers regarding US Independence Day celebrations highlight a crucial shift in the role of educators and the curriculum within the city’s schools. The primary role of teachers, traditionally seen as imparting knowledge, is now intertwined with national security considerations. This has prompted a reevaluation of how teachers approach their responsibilities in the classroom and beyond.
The advisory from the education bureau, as discussed previously, emphasizes schools acting as “gatekeepers” [[3]], focusing on safeguarding national security within their institutions. This contrasts with previous educational practices and initiatives, where the focus was predominantly on academic excellence and fostering critical thinking.
Key Changes and Current Realities
The shift has introduced several new aspects to the educational landscape in Hong Kong:
- Curriculum Adjustments: The integration of national security education across all subjects,from math to music. The goal is to instill patriotic values and a specific understanding of national security.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Schools are now tasked with establishing internal mechanisms to monitor activities that might be deemed risky. This includes evaluating and possibly restricting student and faculty participation in events, notably those hosted by foreign entities.
- Teacher Examinations: New teachers must pass examinations on the Basic Law and national security law as a part of their recruitment process. This is critical for ensuring that all educators understand and support the governing policies.
Are teachers being encouraged to self-censor their academic freedom? Yes, teachers face intense pressure to self-censor to avoid being labeled as unpatriotic or in violation of the national security law.Educators must now navigate a complex habitat where their professional judgment is heavily influenced by both overt and covert measures.
What are the long-term effects of these educational changes? These shifts within HK’s education system may reduce self-reliant thought. The changes have already led to adjustments in how lessons are presented and what materials are approved.The impact on students and the future of education in Hong Kong is still developing.
The Wider Implications
The implications of these changes stretch beyond the classroom. the emphasis on national security education and the monitoring of teachers’ conduct could significantly impact academic freedom and the ability to provide diverse educational experiences. The restrictions on activities like attending foreign embassy events raise questions about the accessibility of global perspectives and the city’s openness.
Moreover, the requirement for schools to implement measures tailored to their specific circumstances creates a complex and potentially uneven system. Such measures, while aimed at safeguarding national security, may also increase the administrative burden on schools and educators.
FAQs
How is “national security” defined in the context of these educational changes?
The Hong Kong Education Bureau has not provided a precise definition of activities that could be considered breaches of national security in relation to events like US Independence Day celebrations. This lack of clarity increases the risk of unintended consequences.
How do these changes affect students’ learning experiences?
With curricula refocused on national security and patriotic education, students may experience a narrower range of viewpoints. These changes could potentially limit their exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking exercises.
What can teachers do to navigate these new regulatory environments?
Teachers must familiarize themselves with the new guidelines. They should engage fully with national security education initiatives and create a safe classroom environment to cultivate critical thinking skills.
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