Leung Shih Chi College male teacher class sharing AV EOC: Even unintentional can constitute sexual harassment

The Equal Opportunities Commission expressed great concern about a male teacher of Leung Shek Chee College of Kwun Tong English-Chinese Girls' School who was suspected of watching pornographic videos on a mobile phone while teaching in a classroom.

EOC Chairman Chu Minjian pointed out that the relevant behavior may violate the provisions on sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, referring to the inappropriate use of the Internet. Safeguards against sexual harassment for teachers and students on campus.

Zhu Minjian: "Sexual harassment" refers to unwelcome sexual behavior

Zhu Minjian said that the EOC is very concerned about the incident, pointing out that it may violate the provisions on sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Chapter 480 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

He explained that under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, "sexual harassment" refers to any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that a reasonable person should expect the person being harassed to feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Sexual harassment includes sexual harassment of an individual or the creation of a sexually hostile or intimidating environment, whether intentional or not, such as the teacher showing pornographic videos in the area seen by other students during the year.

Schools must take "reasonable and practicable measures" otherwise they will be held responsible

Zhu Minjian emphasized that on campus, sexual harassment between staff and students or between students is illegal. Schools must take "reasonable and feasible measures" to prevent the occurrence of sexual harassment incidents. Whether they knew about their actions or not, they may also have to bear the responsibility of passing on.

In principle, reasonable and practicable measures should include formulating and promoting policies to prevent sexual harassment, and raising the awareness of students and staff on the prevention of sexual harassment through activities such as publicity, lectures and training.

A male teacher of Leung Shek Chi College was suspected of watching pornographic videos on a mobile phone while teaching in the classroom, and even played the video footage on a projection screen.

(School webpage)

He believes that the recent alleged sexual harassment incidents on campuses may be related to inappropriate use of the Internet. He cited the EOC's 2021 Territory-wide Sexual Harassment Survey released last week (14th), which mentioned possible sexual harassment when using the Internet. , about one in six (17.8%) respondents said they had been sexually harassed online in the past 24 months.

The EOC's Anti-Sexual Harassment Section strengthens the fight against sexual harassment through prevention, research, policy advocacy, policy guidance and training.

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Unit has also set up an Anti-Sexual Harassment Hotline to provide first-stop support services for those affected by sexual harassment.

Members of the public are welcome to browse the EOC Anti-Sexual Harassment Resource Platform or directly call the EOC Anti-Sexual Harassment Hotline (2106 2222) for enquiries to learn about the protection of teachers and students from sexual harassment on campus under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.

Sau Mau Ping Girls' School's male teacher's classroom sharing screen to watch the AV