School boycott draws firm opposition

Hong Kong's Education Bureau has firmly opposed initiatives calling all secondary school students in the city to boycott school when the new term begins, citing likely impact on school operations and student relationships.

Localist party Demosisto and other student groups had asked secondary school students across the city to go on strike once a week starting Sept 2 until the government responds to their demands.

At a media briefing held on Tuesday, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said that no one should use the school as a place to voice political demands, or involve innocent underage students in the vortex of politics, or use student involvement to pressure the government.

School boycott will impede school operations and deprive students of a normal study life, and cause emotional problems for students, Yeung said.

The education bureau sent out a memorandum to all the secondary and primary schools on Tuesday, asking them to closely monitor the situation. It was also issued to help the schools' preparatory work for the new semester.

Meanwhile, the strike plan has drawn strong objection from the city's educators, students and parents.

On Aug 14, a total of 30 local educational groups issued a joint statement, expressing concern over possible impact of the strike on school operations.

Tang Fei, principal of Tseung Kwan O Heung To Secondary School, rejected the strike plan as it may affect other students' studies.

He said it was not appropriate to involve secondary school students in political movements as many of them have not formed their own judgments yet on social issues.

Jessica, a high school student, expressed disapproval of the boycott plan, as she does not want to miss any lessons in the coming school year, a crucial period that would have a bearing on her future.

She was worried as some of her classmates and friends have been discussing on social media how to take part in the school boycott.

"I come from an ordinary family. My parents have been working very hard to support my studies, and I cannot let them down," said Jessica, who did not want to disclose her full name for fear of being identified by her peers.

A Hong Kong citizen whose surname was Chui, the mother of an 18-year-old student, also had similar apprehensions. She was not sure whether her son would be targeted or bullied by his schoolmates if he does not join the strike movement.