In late March, HKU engaged with the students to understand the incident, the statement said. The meeting was attended by two university staff members, two victims, and a friend of X as a witness.
According to the statement, one staff member told the victims she had consulted a lawyer, who advised that X’s actions were “not likely to constitute any offence”. The other staff member proposed issuing X a warning letter to be logged in his personal student file, and summoning him for a “verbal reprimand”.
In mid-April, a staff member emailed one of the victims confirming that the warning letter had been filed and forwarded X’s apology letter.
But the apology letter was brief – around 60 words – and most victims found it insincere, the statement said.
“Most of the victims also felt that the university’s response was insufficient,” it said, adding that the matter has “remained dormant” since April.
The statement also claimed that HKU did not take action for an “extended period” regarding the victims’ request to be separated from X in classes.
It was only before the final tutorial session of the semester that HKU, citing the “wide distribution of victims across tutorial groups”, invited two victims to attend alternative sessions, the statement said.
This delay forced some victims to share the classroom with X at least four times, causing “unnecessary psychological distress”, it added.
HKU RESPONDS AS LAWMAKERS CALL FOR TIGHTER LAWS
In a press release on Saturday, HKU said it is aware of the social media posts on the incident. It was published hours after the victims’ statement emerged, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The university said it had adhered to its internal rules as well as “relevant laws” in handling the case, and has kept in communication with the affected students.
“With the consideration of taking care of their well-being, the university has taken various steps, including class adjustments, to address their needs,” it said.
HKU said it has already issued a warning letter to the student and demanded that he formally apologise to his affected peers.
“The university deeply understands the concerns raised and will further review the case, taking further actions when appropriate to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment,” HKU said in its Saturday statement, while also reaffirming its “zero-tolerance” towards gender discrimination, harassment, or misconduct.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/hong-kong-university-student-deepfake-ai-porn-photos-warning-letter-apology-5237136
