Hong Kong‘s Journalism Challenge: Academic Freedom and Political Polarization275

Hong Kong's Journalism Challenge: Academic Freedom and Political Polarization

The Chinese University of Hong Kong's (CUHK) School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) is one of the leading journalism schools in Asia. It enjoys a strong reputation for academic freedom and professional excellence. However, the school has recently come under increasing pressure from the Hong Kong government and pro-Beijing forces who are seeking to curtail academic freedom.

In recent years, CUHK has been criticized by the government for its coverage of political protests and other sensitive issues. The school has also been accused of harboring pro-democracy and anti-government sentiment. In 2020, the university's president, Rocky Tuan, was forced to resign after coming under pressure from the government. The resignation of Tuan marked a significant turning point in the relationship between CUHK and the government.

Since Tuan's resignation, the government has continued to pressure CUHK to rein in its academic freedom. In 2021, the government proposed a new law that would give the secretary for education the power to vet university faculty and curriculum. The law was widely condemned by academics and human rights groups, who saw it as a threat to academic freedom. In response to the government's pressure, CUHK has taken steps to protect its academic freedom. The school has established a new committee to monitor academic freedom and has pledged to resist any government interference. However, it is unclear how long CUHK will be able to withstand the government's pressure.

The increasing pressure on CUHK is part of a broader trend of political polarization in Hong Kong. In recent years, Hong Kong has become increasingly divided between pro-democracy and pro-Beijing factions. This division has led to increased social unrest and political instability. The polarization of Hong Kong society has also made it more difficult for CUHK to maintain its neutrality and independence.

CUHK's commitment to academic freedom is essential for the future of journalism in Hong Kong. If the government is successful in suppressing academic freedom at CUHK, it will set a dangerous precedent for other universities in Hong Kong and around the world. It is important to support CUHK and other universities in their efforts to preserve academic freedom and protect the free flow of information.

2024-10-21

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