Prestigious Hong Kong school withdraws unapproved Cantonese ban following controversy

A prestigious Hong Kong girls' school, Good Hope School, has withdrawn a guideline banning Cantonese from being spoken in a graduation video after it sparked controversy. The school issued a public statement on Monday, admitting full responsibility for the incident. The guideline, leaked to the public, stated that Cantonese was "forbidden" in the video production.

Principal Gary Harfitt clarified via email that language is not merely communication, but carries memories, emotions, and affections, and that the school never restricted any child's mother tongue. The school acknowledged causing distress, misgiving, and sorrow among students, parents, alumnae, and the wider community due to the guideline.

The guideline document has been "fully and formally withdrawn," and consultations are underway with student leaders, the graduating class, and parent representatives. Fresh guidance will emerge through partnership to ensure every pupil can recount her school days in her preferred language. Screenshots of the guideline went viral on social media, with some expressing concern over the school's language policy.

According to the 2021 Hong Kong Census, over 88% of residents use Cantonese as their usual spoken language, and nearly 94% can speak it. The Education Bureau urged the school to review event arrangements but did not comment on the school's language policies.