28th August 2023 – (Hong Kong) In the final days of summer, university orientation camps are in full swing, often accompanied by incidents of inappropriate behaviour. This year, the nursing freshman orientation camp, at Hong Kong University (HKU), has been rocked by allegations of marijuana use and sexual misconduct involving students. Recently, a post circulating on social media detailed the experience of a freshman nursing student who claimed to have witnessed fellow camp counsellors, known as “group parents,” openly using marijuana. Furthermore, she alleged that during camp activities, she was subjected to unwanted advances by one of the group parents and was prohibited from changing into dark-coloured clothing during a wet game, leaving her and her teammates feeling exposed. HKU’s nursing student organisation, responsible for organising the orientation camp at Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp stated that they are actively reviewing the allegations mentioned online and pledged to handle the matter fairly. The university administration has also confirmed its awareness of the incident and stated that they are currently investigating.
The Instagram post in question was shared last Saturday (26th) and relayed the personal experience of a self-proclaimed nursing freshman attending the orientation camp. According to the student, on the first night of the camp, during a disco event, a strong and recognisable odour permeated the venue, causing discomfort among her and other participants. After inquiring with the group parents, it was revealed that the smell was due to marijuana. As the event progressed, the smell intensified, with many group parents appearing to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The student described the chaotic scene and recounted incidents of inappropriate touching by a group parent, which she believed to be deliberate. She also mentioned that other freshmen in different groups experienced similar encounters. The student expressed fear and confusion, stating, “We were afraid to expose these acts of sexual harassment because we didn’t know who we could report it to. From our observations, all the group parents seemed to be in collusion. We considered reporting the incident to someone within the organisation, but they appeared to be close with the group parents. After much consideration, I decided to speak out publicly.”
The Instagram post further revealed that during a water-related activity the next day, all participants were required by the group parents to wear the camp T-shirt, prohibiting them from changing into dark-coloured clothing. Even though the student’s group T-shirt was relatively dark, due to the wet conditions, their undergarments were visible, leading to a sense of exposure and unwelcome attention. After the water activity, the student and her teammates were not allowed to change clothes. Additionally, the group parents pressured them to consume alcohol, despite their growing discomfort. Following the conclusion of the camp, the student and others fell ill, describing the three-day experience as the most painful of their lives, leaving them with lasting emotional scars. The student expressed a reluctance to continue her studies at HKU and a sense of confusion regarding whom she could confide in.
Following the publication of the Instagram post, the HKU Nursing Society released a statement on the same day, late at night, on their Instagram account. They acknowledged the recent online comments regarding the organisation of the orientation camp and assured the public that they are actively reviewing the allegations. They urged individuals with relevant complaints or evidence to submit them via email, emphasising their commitment to handling the matter impartially. HKU’s spokesperson confirmed that the university is aware of the incident and stated that the nursing faculty has already contacted the student organization responsible for organising the orientation camp to gather further information. Law enforcement agencies have not yet received any official reports related to the allegations.