EdUHK to review orientation camp management amid rape allegations

The Education University of Hong Kong on Tuesday said it would set up a task force to review the institute’s management of student orientation camps after police said they were looking into an alleged rape of a university student at an orientation camp.

The move came after an 18-year-old female student reported to police that she was raped when participating in a joint universities orientation camp in Yuen Long in July.

The rape suspect - understood to be a 28-year-old male student surnamed Yim, was also said to be involved in a separate case of an indecent act, with the student alleged to have peeked into a third-year female student’s bath during another orientation camp held on Lantau Island last month.

In an email addressing its teachers and students, the university said it attaches high importance to the incident and is fully cooperating with authorities’ investigation.

It noted that the university has zero tolerance for acts that violate the law and the school regulations, adding that the case will be referred to the student disciplinary committee should the allegations be proven true.

It also said the institute will review its student orientation camp management to safeguard student welfare and interests.

Meanwhile, commenting on recent incidents of sexual assault during university orientation camps, chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu said such behaviors must not be tolerated in Hong Kong.

Underscoring that university students are the future of society, Lee said no illegal behavior is acceptable.

Lee expressed his hope that universities can ensure a conducive environment for students and improve student behavior.

He added that illegal behaviors should be dealt with in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.