EDB appeals to teachers for continued commitment to work

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (June 12) expressed its strong opposition to the class boycott and teachers' strike initiated by an educational body. The bureau reiterated that schools should not be used for expressing political aspirations as that would not only affect normal school operations but also unfairly drag under-aged students into political turbulence at the expense of their learning opportunities.

     The EDB also thanked school heads and teachers for their commitment to work, calling on them to continue to protect their students and to serve them with professionalism.

     Meanwhile, the EDB is concerned that traffic in the Wan Chai and Central and Western Districts has been seriously disrupted, which may affect students going to school tomorrow. The bureau urges schools to continue to adopt contingency measures under school-based mechanisms and exercise flexibility in handling individual students' lateness or absence. The bureau also calls on schools to make suitable arrangements, take proper care of students on campus, maintain communication with parents and, when class is dismissed, allow students to return home only under safe conditions.

     The EDB respects the right of members of the public including teachers and students to express their views on social issues in a peaceful and lawful manner. It calls on students to put their personal safety above everything else at all times, stay away from dangerous places, particularly in the vicinity of the Central Government Offices and the Legislative Council Complex in Admiralty, and not take part in riots or any unlawful activities.

     The bureau is closely monitoring the situation and will make special announcements when necessary.