Hong Kong’s Lingnan University student union ceases operations after 6 decades

Union makes announcement in social media post on Thursday, citing ‘changes in the situation both on and off campus’ without detailing specifics

The student union of Hong Kong’s Lingnan University has announced it will dissolve after nearly six decades in operation due to “changes in the situation both on and off campus”, marking the latest in a spate of closures among such organisations in recent years.

In a social media post on Thursday, the student union said it had passed a resolution to dissolve after holding a recent joint meeting. Its decision means that only two of Hong Kong’s public universities still have active student unions, one of which is no longer allowed to operate on campus.

“Since its establishment in 1967, the union has always upheld the spirit of unity and mutual help among students and actively maintained close ties with the university to seek the well-being of all Lingnan students,” it said.

“Furthermore, the union has been committed to addressing social issues for many years, promoting members’ social awareness and sense of responsibility in various ways, and contributing to the progress of Hong Kong society.”

The union explained that it had made the “difficult decision” to dissolve “due to changes in the situation both on and off campus in recent years, and after balancing various factors”. It did not specify what the changes were.

The organisation had faced a tumultuous period leading up to its dissolution.