HKU’s decision to cut ties ‘regrettable’: union

The student union of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) on Saturday said it is “deeply regrettable” that the university has unilaterally severed ties with it.

It called on university management to continue to communicate and cooperate with the student body during “difficult times.”

In a statement also signed by dozens of other student societies, the union said HKU’s decision would have a far-reaching impact on the operation of the body and its sub-organisations.

“The University now draws a clear line of demarcation with the Union unilaterally without any prior notice. The statement issued by the University has buried decades of hard work by our predecessors, teachers and students,” it said.

“We hereby express our deepest regret as the act of the University would have a far-reaching impact on the operation of the Union and her sub-organisations. This act has severely undermined the interests of students.”

It called for support from other students “in a bid to secure the very last piece of student autonomy in Hong Kong”.

On Friday, HKU accused the union of using the campus as a “platform for political propaganda”, undermining the institution’s interests and tarnishing its reputation.

The university said it will assume control over the union’s offices and other facilities, stop collecting membership fees on its behalf, and stop providing it with financial management services.