PolyU Bosses Slammed Over Student's Expulsion

Supporters of an expelled student staged a protest at Polytechnic University on Monday, accusing the authorities of spreading "white terror", and unsuccessfully attempting to storm an administrative building.

Gerald Ho was expelled for unruly behaviour over a clash with university officials over the covering up of a student bulletin board, known as the “democracy wall”, where posters had been put up calling for Hong Kong's independence.

About 50 people, representing different groups, protested by the “democracy wall”, saying the university's governors are acting like "gangsters".

The protesters described Ho's punishment as "white terror" for students and a “shame” for educators. They said it was wrong to interfere with the operation of the “democracy wall” – as it signifies freedom of speech on campus.

During the demonstration, Ho also put up a pro-independence banner, which was later taken down by the authorities.

Some of the protesters also tried to get inside an administration building, but the guards managed to lock them out.

Chung Kim-wah, a professor at the university, also attended the protest in support of the students. He told RTHK's Phoebe Ng that the university needs to clearly explain why Ho deserved such a "harsh" penalty.