• A student at Chinese University of Hong Kong has been expelled for calling for accountability over a deadly fire.
• The expulsion follows his detention for "seditious intent" after launching a petition related to the fire.
• Authorities are conducting an inquiry into the fire, which claimed 168 lives in November 2025.

A student from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Miles Kwan, has reported his expulsion from the university after being involved in activism concerning the fatal Tai Po fire that resulted in the deaths of 168 people in November 2025. Kwan stated, “I was just expelled by CUHK” on social media, emphasizing his long struggle with the university that included previous suspensions. The fire at Wang Fuk Court led to significant public concern and demands for accountability, which Kwan supported by launching a petition that called for an independent inquiry and a review of safety oversight in construction practices, according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

Kwan, a politics student, was detained by national security police in connection with his activities promoting accountability regarding the fire, which had led to widespread outcry for proper investigation into governmental safety failures. The university's disciplinary committee concluded that Kwan had engaged in “multiple acts of misconduct,” resulting in his expulsion after he reportedly earned three demerits, including derogatory comments about the university's disciplinary processes. Following the university's decision, Kwan criticized CUHK, stating, “It is shameful of CUHK to use graduation certificates to suppress its former students,” according to South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

The Chinese authorities have formed a judge-led committee to address the fire, prompting further scrutiny regarding the independence of the investigation process. Critics argue that while the inquiry is intended to improve public safety and accountability, the broader implications on academic freedom and political expression are significant, especially in light of Kwan's expulsion, which has drawn attention from student organizations and rights groups concerned about government overreach in academia. As Kwan asserted, “You can take away qualifications, but you can’t take away dignity,” emphasizing the struggle for transparency in governance, according to Channel News Asia, India Times, and South China Morning Post.