Baptist University Punishes Putonghua Protesters

The former president of the Baptist University student union, Lau Tsz-kei, has been suspended for one semester over his role in a rowdy demonstration at the school's Language Centre in January. Another student was also disciplined.

The pair were protesting against the university's controversial compulsory graduation Putonghua test, which they say discriminates against locals. They were suspended from classes after an initial investigation, but this was later lifted after they apologised.

However on Thursday, a disciplinary committee found Lau guilty of disrupting learning and teaching, indecent behaviour, and harassment, and ordered him to send an apology letter to staff at the Language Centre. He is also required to meet the university councillor.

Another student, Andrew Chan, was suspended from the university for eight days - although this will be covered by his previous initial suspension. He was also ordered to conduct 40 hours of community service and submit an apology letter.

The two students say they are unhappy with the decisions and will appeal.

About 20 students took part in the protest and at one point, Lau swore at the teaching staff present.

At the time, the university said an initial investigation had found that the two students had breached the institution's code of conduct.