UM accuses Bill Chou of undermining university’s reputation

The University of Macau (UM) has accused associate professor Bill Chou of undermining the institution’s reputation and compromising the basis of “a sustainable relationship.”
UM recently decided not to renew Chou’s contract. The professor said that this decision was due to his participation in social causes. Chou was elected vice-president of the New Macau Association in June. He had been suspended by UM for “imposing his political beliefs on students.”
Bill Chou accused UM of not respecting education by revealing the decision two weeks before the beginning of a new semester.
In a statement, the university gave assurances that disciplinary action taken against the academic was in line with relevant regulations and procedures, and “had nothing to do with professor Chou’s political activities, speeches, or views [expressed] in the community.”
The university stressed that it respects academic freedom and freedom of expression.
“A sustainable relationship between the University and its staff is necessarily built upon mutual trust and respect. It has come to the University’s attention that professor Chou has not recognized his mistakes in violating professional conduct,” it reads. The university believes that Chou has undermined UM’s reputation, while Chou has accused the institution of taking disciplinary action because of his political activism.
The Tertiary Education Services Office’s coordinator, Mr Sou Chio Fai, told TDM that academic freedom and freedom of expression are not at risk. CP