In recent years, Hong Kong’s universities and academic circles have faced a significant decline in academic freedom as they come under Beijing’s grip. This has resulted in a detrimental impact on the city’s academic environment, leading to a mass exodus of scholars, plummeting enrollment of foreign students, self-censorship among teachers, and the erosion of Hong Kong’s status as a center for scholarship, particularly on China-related studies.
Prior to Beijing’s increased control, Hong Kong’s universities boasted a vibrant learning environment that attracted top talent from all over the world. They provided a platform for progressive classrooms, world-class libraries, and archives that offered academic freedom, even when studying Chinese topics. However, scholars and students now express fear of naming themselves publicly due to potential repercussions, such as job loss or even the loss of freedom. This fear has prompted many academics to choose anonymity, impacting the overall atmosphere of free expression and open discussion on campus.
The statistics speak for themselves – more than 360 scholars left Hong Kong’s eight public universities in the 2021/22 academic year, marking the highest turnover rate since the city’s return to Chinese rule in 1997. Additionally, foreign student enrollments have dropped by 13% since 2019, highlighting a decline in the global appeal of Hong Kong universities. This decline is a direct result of the loss of the once-free atmosphere and growing concerns among academics.
The erosion of academic freedom began with the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020. The NSL, which targets secessionist or subversive behavior, has allowed authorities to crack down on activists and ordinary citizens alike. It is a tool that Beijing claims has brought “governance” to Hong Kong, but it has also stifled dissent and transformed the once-vibrant city. Protests, once a common sight, have become unimaginable, and libraries and films are subject to censorship based on national security grounds. Pro-democracy activists have been barred from local elections, academic freedom has been curtailed, and personal privacy has been compromised.
The impact on universities is evident on their campuses. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where black-clad protesters clashed with riot police in 2019, security measures have been tightened, diminishing any traces of dissent. The democracy wall, once adorned with pro-democracy posters, has been stripped bare and barricaded, and symbols of resistance, such as the statue of the Goddess of Democracy, have been removed. This shift has left students feeling a sense of helplessness and has led them to avoid sensitive courses and topics.
The consequences of this decline in academic freedom go beyond the walls of Hong Kong’s universities. Scholars and experts on China are particularly vulnerable, with reports of longer border checks and targeted actions against them. As a result, job applications from overseas professors and scholars have dried up, exacerbating the shortage of academic talent in the city. Even hiring research assistants has become challenging, further diminishing the resources available for academic research.
The impact on students pursuing humanities and social sciences is also alarming. Students are increasingly steering away from enrolling in PhD programs, and those who do face a diminishing chance of completing their studies. The uncertainty surrounding the future of Hong Kong’s academic environment has prompted some students to quit university and relocate to countries like the UK, where they can continue their studies and research.
The loss of Hong Kong’s status as a center for scholarship on China is disheartening for academics who once enjoyed unparalleled access to sources. The disappearance of sources has made it increasingly challenging to conduct in-depth research and analysis. This decline in academic excellence has broader implications, not only for the city but also for the global academic community.
One Canadian-born scholar, Rowena He, experienced firsthand the impact of Beijing’s control on academic freedom. Her application to renew her Hong Kong visa was rejected, and she was subsequently fired by CUHK. This rejection highlights the risks scholars face and the limitations placed on teaching controversial historical events. Professors like He refuse to censor their classes and strive to teach historical truth and universal values.
Despite the challenges, there remains a sense of resilience and determination among academics and students in Hong Kong. They firmly believe in the power of civil society and refuse to give up on Hong Kong. The support from HongKongers locally and internationally continues to provide comfort and solace in these difficult times. However, the situation remains bleak, and the long-term viability of academic freedom in Hong Kong is uncertain.
As the decline of academic freedom in Hong Kong continues, it is essential for the global community to pay attention and advocate for the protection of academic freedom and free expression in the city. The loss of Hong Kong’s academic excellence is a loss for the entire academic community, and concerted efforts need to be made to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking prevails even in challenging circumstances.
