School libraries must not have books that endanger national security, says education chief

Schools should make sure their libraries are free of anti-national-security publications, as authorities have issued clear guidelines on the subject, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said. 

His comments came after a local newspaper reported that some school libraries have pulled books from their shelves, citing security law concerns.

Some schools also complained earlier about a lack of specific guidelines from the Education Bureau on vetting reading materials, admitting that this has led to self-censorship, the newspaper reported.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Yeung said schools must choose books suitable to students’ age and with reference to teaching needs, while schools must also ensure their libraries do not contain any books that may jeopardize national security.

He said the Education Bureau has issued a clear guideline to schools and asked them to seek assistance from the bureau when in doubt.

Separately, the education chief noted that, regardless of the legislation, it is necessary for schools to teach students to think positively and to love their nation, adding that he sees no conflict between the requirements laid out under the national security law and school teaching.