Anthem probe sought over class chaos video that went viral

Eunice Lam

The Education Bureau has ordered a Tsuen Wan secondary school to submit an investigation report following an incident in which students disrupted a class by playing the national anthem.

A recent video that went viral on social media showed a student from AD&FD POHL Leung Sing Tak College continuing to cause a disturbance in the classroom, while other students jeered or used their phones.

Someone also played the national anthem, but instead of standing respectfully, the disruptive female student kicked a desk severaltimes and stood on a chair.

Despite the teacher's repeated requests for her to stop and return to her seat, the student ignored the instructions and even knelt before and sprayed water on the teacher.

The school has confirmed the incident involving a student occurred in October.

It said the matter had been handled through internal disciplinary policies and that guidance and education had been given to the student.

"We are committed to teaching students to embody our school's motto of practicing kindness and virtue, and to become law-abiding citizens who value both character and learning, and are willing to take responsibility," it said.

The school added that it would continue its efforts to educate students properly, and hopes the community will provide more support.

The Education Bureau says it immediately reached out to the school to understand the situation.

"The bureau has required the school to handle the incident seriously, and to submit a detailed report," the bureau said, adding that it would keep in close communication with the school and provide adequate advice.

The bureau also reiterated that schools must ensure that students exhibit proper etiquette when the anthem is played or sung, in accordance with the National Anthem Ordinance implemented in 2020.

Students are expected to stand solemnly and conduct themselves with dignity, without any disrespectful behavior.

According to the bureau's circular from last February, all primary and secondary schools must display the national flag daily and on special holidays, as well as conduct weekly national flag-raising ceremonies.

Schools must also teach students to sing the anthem, understand its history and spirit, and learn the proper etiquette.