University of Hong Kong student ‘Democracy Wall’ replaced with digital displays

The University of Hong Kong has replaced its student “Democracy Wall” with digital displays, following years of the campus bulletin board remaining largely unused. The University of Hong Kong replaced its student “Democracy Wall” with digital displays in September 2026. Photo: Courtesy of InMedia. Located outside the main library, the wall was boarded up in August, followed by a notice indicating the upcoming installation of digital screens.

By the beginning of the new student year, electronic screens had been installed, as reported by InMedia. In response to HKFP, HKU stated that they are progressively digitalizing notice boards in common areas on campus. This initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper waste, optimize limited campus space through rotating displays, and enhance operational efficiency.

The digital notice boards will continue to serve student affairs and campus life updates. Unlike paper notices, a high-brightness 85 inch to 98 inch display running for 16 hours a day would consume approximately 8 to 14 kWh of power daily. The “Democracy Wall” was once a space where students posted notices, including pro-democracy posters and slogans.

However, the university removed it in July 2021, days after student union leaders resigned following criticism from the Security Bureau over their praise for a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer. The university severed ties with its student union in April 2021, enforcing management rights over its premises and cutting financial support.

Other landmarks of student activism have also vanished since the enactment of the Beijing-imposed national security law in June 2020, such as the removal of the Pillar of Shame monument in late 2021 and its replacement with a seating area.