Teachers across Hong Kong have reportedly been warned to avoid participating in U.S. Independence Day celebrations, amid growing concerns about breaching China’s sweeping national security laws. Educators say the warning stems from fears that attending such events could be interpreted as unpatriotic or even unlawful.
A text message allegedly sent by the principal of a local school and shared on Edu Lancet, a Facebook page run by former Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority official, Hans Yeung, stated that the Education Bureau’s regional office had advised caution over July 4th activities organised by the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong. Staff were told not to attend and to discourage students from participating to avoid potential violations of national security regulations.
An additional email, also published on Edu Lancet and independently verified by The Guardian, instructed teachers who receive invitations from foreign embassies or embassy-funded groups to seek approval from school principals before attending, citing national security protocols.
The Education Bureau did not confirm or deny the authenticity of the messages when contacted, but issued a statement reinforcing its commitment to national security. “Schools have the responsibility to play a good gatekeeper role and to enhance the sensitivity of teachers and students to national security,” the bureau stated. It also pointed to “clear guidelines” requiring schools to establish mechanisms to implement national security education and enforcement within their communities.
The bureau did not clarify which specific laws would be breached by attending Fourth of July events, nor whether the restrictions extended to other foreign holidays or events.
The warnings are the latest in a series of sweeping reforms to Hong Kong’s education system, which has come under tighter scrutiny since the Chinese government imposed the controversial National Security Law in 2020. Following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, then Chief Executive Carrie Lam accused the education system of fomenting unrest, prompting an overhaul of school curricula to emphasise patriotism and political loyalty.
Since then, national security teachings have been woven into subjects ranging from English and mathematics to physical education. Several books, including a children’s picture book about sheep published by the city’s physiotherapists’ union, have been banned for allegedly endangering state security. Authors of such materials have also faced prosecution.
Educators say the atmosphere within schools has become increasingly stifling, with many reporting a need to self-censor out of fear of being accused of subversion. As of the 2023-24 academic year, all new teachers in public schools and kindergartens must pass an exam on Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the National Security Law.
Education minister calls on teachers to be vigilant
Education Minister Christine Choi has repeatedly warned against “soft resistance” in schools, recently calling on teachers to be vigilant against “hostile forces” infiltrating extracurricular spaces and book fairs.
The U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong has not yet commented on the reported warnings. Meanwhile, Edu Lancet’s founder, Hans Yeung, now residing in the UK, has faced previous criticism from Hong Kong’s Security Secretary Chris Tang, who accused him of “incitement” from abroad.
The developments reflect an ongoing trend of political control and surveillance creeping further into Hong Kong’s classrooms, with national security now a primary pillar of education in the territory.
