Last month, the council endorsed the appointment of several interim vice-president positions without consulting Zhang, prompting the president to seek legal advice as the row escalated. Here, the Post tracks the development of the ongoing saga.
September 2023: allegations against Zhang are raised
The anonymous emails accused Zhang of various wrongdoings, including mishandling donations, inappropriate recruitment practices, and preferential treatment based on university credentials.
October 2023: inquiry is launched
The panel ultimately cleared Zhang of any wrongdoing, leading to calls for the council to move forward.
May 2024: surprise senior management reshuffle
The reshuffle was seen as a blow to Zhang’s authority and sparked further legal action from the president.
June 2024: tensions escalate as government steps in
The ongoing saga at HKU highlights the challenges faced by academic institutions in balancing governance, leadership, and autonomy.