A student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is facing expulsion just weeks before his anticipated graduation, following disciplinary action taken by the university. Miles Kwan, a 24-year-old politics student, stated on Friday, February 13, that he was informed of the decision due to “multiple acts of misconduct.”
Accountability and Disciplinary Action
The disciplinary proceedings stem from Kwan’s involvement in calling for accountability following a fire in November that resulted in 168 fatalities. He was previously detained for two nights by Hong Kong’s national security police for “seditious intent” after distributing flyers advocating for an independent investigation into the blaze, which occurred at Wang Fuk Court housing estate.
According to Kwan, the university did not penalize him for his arrest. Instead, he received demerits for publicly criticizing the student discipline committee, referring to it as a “kangaroo panel” and a “disgrace.” He too received demerits related to a 2023 charge of “criminal damage” stemming from an incident in 2022 where he placed stickers on lampposts to commemorate the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.
Petition for Change
Kwan was part of a group that issued a petition following the fire, demanding accountability from government officials, an independent investigation into potential corruption, adequate resettlement for affected residents, and a review of building construction oversight. Authorities in Hong Kong have since established a judge-led “independent committee” to investigate the fire.
CUHK stated it would not comment on individual cases but confirmed that students accumulating three demerits may face termination from their studies. Kwan, who had completed his coursework, expressed his disappointment, stating, “This proves shameful of CUHK to use graduation certificates to suppress its former students. You can accept away qualifications, but you can’t take away dignity.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the disciplinary review at CUHK?
The disciplinary review was initiated after Miles Kwan handed out flyers calling for an independent probe into the fire that killed 168 people in November.
What specific actions led to Kwan receiving demerits?
Kwan received demerits for calling the student discipline committee a “kangaroo panel” and a “disgrace,” and for a 2023 charge of “criminal damage” related to placing stickers on lampposts in 2022.
What is the status of the investigation into the fire?
The Chinese city’s authorities have formed a judge-led “independent committee” to investigate the fatal blaze.
It remains to be seen what impact this decision will have on other students or future calls for accountability in Hong Kong, or whether Kwan will pursue further action regarding his expulsion.
