Teachers Who Incite Protests May Be Struck Off: Govt

Education Secretary Kevin Yeung on Wednesday warned teachers not to encourage their students to take part in protests or class boycotts, adding that they could be struck off if they are found to have committed serious professional misconduct.

The secretary was asked during a Legco question and answer session by DAB lawmaker Horace Cheung whether the bureau will look into reported cases in which secondary teachers have allegedly incited students to join anti-government demonstrations.

In response, Yeung said no one should use schools as a place to express their political demands, and it would be improper of teachers to incite "immature" students to engage in political activities.

"Teachers must not incite students to express their views through class boycotts, forming human chains, singing inappropriate songs etc," he said.

"If a teacher is found to have committed a serious offence or an act of misconduct, the Education Bureau will review this conduct based on the information available and will take any necessary follow up action. For serious cases, the registration of the teacher concerned may be cancelled."

There have been numerous protests involving pupils since schools went back in September, with students forming human chains one of the most common sights.