Skip to content
The University of Hong Kong Equal Opportunty Unit The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong Equal Opportunty Unit The University of Hong Kong

  • Role of EOA

    Share
  1. Be the first contact point in a department to give advice on equal opportunity issues.
  2. May be invited to serve as a member of the Discrimination Complaints Committee to conduct formal investigations.
  3. Can help to promote equal opportunity in the department by:
    • Attending events of the Equal Opportunity Festival held annually.
    • Encouraging staff members of the department to participate in the events of the Equal Opportunity Festival.
    • Checking whether the website of the department is in line with the standing guidelines on web accessibility and if not, the EOA can help to amend the website or ask the departmental staff member to amend. Websites that are inaccessible to persons with a disability could be a kind of disability discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance. For testing techniques of web accessibility, please refer to the Web Accessibility Handbook (digitalpolicy.gov.hk) (Page 72).

As an EOA is the first contact person in a department to give advice on equal opportunity issues, what are the Dos & Don'ts in handling complaints?

  • Refer the case to the Equal Opportunity Unit or seek help from the Equal Opportunity Unit whenever you consider appropriate
  • Do not act as a judge
  • Write down the alleged events chronologically
  • Analyze the facts objectively
  • Be impartial
  • Examine whether the allegations could constitute prohibited discrimination/harassment
  • Explain the possible channels and let the Complainant choose the next step
    • Report to the Equal Opportunity Unit
    • Act in accordance with the Procedures in handling discrimination/harassment complaints of HKU
    • Complain to the Equal Opportunities Commission
    • Report to the police
    • Start civil proceedings at the District Court

What are the procedures for handling discrimination/ harassment complaints at HKU?

Title: Flow Chart on Handling Request for Advice/Assistance and Complaints on Discrimination/Harassment (on grounds covered under the HKU Equal Opportunity Policy) Top of the Chart begins with: Request for Advice/Assistance received by Equal Opportunity Unit. Then: Explanation of Definitions/Procedures/Options. Followed by three possible scenarios: 1. Resolved 2. Complaint in writing 3. Not within remit - referral to other support services If Complaint in writing, then go to: 1. Informal Resolution, or 2. Formal Procedures, If so decided by the complainant, If go for Information Resolution, then two possible outcomes: 1. Resolved 2. Not resolved If not resolved, then go to Formal Procedures: Preliminary Inquiry Then: Preliminary Inquiry report considered by President and Vice-Chancellor Followed by three possible scenarios: 1. Matter to be referred to an outside body 2. Investigation by Discrimination Complaints Committee (DCC) 3. Case Dismissed If complaint referred to the Discrimination Complaints Committee (DCC) for investigation, then two possible outcomes: 1. Complaint Substantiated, then Recommendation of Penalty 2. Complaint Unsubstantiated In either case: DCC Report submitted to President and Vice-Chancellor Lastly: Right of appeal under relevant University procedures Note: This flow chart is for illustrative purposes only. For details, please refer to the University’s Procedures for Handling Discrimination/Harassment Complaints on the EOU website. Equal Opportunity Unit Updated on August 17, 2021

For more details, please refer to paragraph 11 to 52 of Procedures for handling discrimination/harassment complaints, which can be found HERE.

Further information / enquiries

To learn more about the Equal Opportunity Unit, please visit http://www.eounit.hku.hk/.
For enquiries, please contact the Equal Opportunity Unit at 3917 1768 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..