Education University of Hong Kong to probe orientation camps following rape allegation

The Education University of Hong Kong has said it will set up a task force to review the operation of orientation camps, after an 18-year-old student filed a police report alleging that she was raped at a university induction event in July.

Police said on Tuesday they had launched an investigation into the alleged rape, and into a report of voyeurism filed by another student aged 22. Both women reportedly said they were assaulted by a 28-year-old male student who attended the camp.

The Education University of Hong Kong. Photo: EduHK.

Dean of Students Sammy Hui said in an email to students on Tuesday that the university took allegations of sexual harassment and assault “extremely seriously,” and that it was assisting the police in the investigation.

“An emergency response mechanism has been activated, and we have already been in touch with the students concerned to provide the necessary care and counselling support,” Hui wrote in the bilingual email.

“Meanwhile, the University will set up a Taskforce to conduct a holistic review regarding the contents, guidelines and operational mechanism of orientation camps with a view to protecting the interests and well-being of students,” he continued.

The university’s Student Affairs Office will also step up emotional and counselling services for students in need.

‘Pillars of society’

Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday morning that sexual assault or other illegal activities on university campuses could not be tolerated.

Speaking to reporters ahead of an Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, he said university students were “regarded as pillars of society,” expected to contribute and make a positive impact in the future.

He said that schools should cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that sexual assault cases were promptly addressed, and that appropriate measures should be taken if students’ actions violate the law.

“If the actions do not violate the law but conflict with the school’s regulations, the school also has a responsibility to maintain discipline on campus,” he added.

Indecent assault

Citing sources, local media reported that the rape allegedly took place at the Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp in Yuen Long on July 23. At a different camp, it was reported that a man pulled open the curtains in a shower where the 22-year-old student was bathing.

Separately, a university student accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old student during an orientation camp for the University of Hong Kong’s nursing society last month was granted bail by a Hong Kong court on Monday.

HKU University of Hong Kong — The University of Hong Kong. Photo: Kelly Ho/HKFP.

According to the charge sheet, 20-year-old Tang Ho-yin faced two counts of indecent assault for assaulting the first-year student on two occasions during the camp. He appeared in court on Monday, after he was arrested on August 30, but was not required to enter a plea.

The arrest came three days after HKU said it had instigated an investigation into the alleged assault.

The internal probe stemmed from a Chinese-language Instagram post, in which someone who identified as a first-year HKU nursing student said there was sexual harassment and cannabis use during the three-day camp.

💡If you are suffering from sexual or domestic violence, regardless of your age or gender, contact the police, Harmony House (click for details) and/or the Social Welfare Department on 28948896. Dial 999 in emergencies.

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