A popular liberal studies tutor has resigned from his position at Beacon College after the school launched an investigation into claims that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a secondary school student.
In a post on the HKGolden forum, the student alleged that Oscar Ma had lured her into a sexual relationship. Ma has consistently denied the claims, and reported the case to the police.
However, the student later posted a photo of Ma’s flat and videos of her scrolling through messages on her phone, prompting netizens to accuse Ma of lying.
Ma said the events which unfolded online, prompted by “his words” had caused “a great impact on my family, my friends and my students”. In a statement posted on Wednesday at midnight he said: “After serious consideration, I have decided to leave my position, effective immediately”.
He also said he was sorry for the inconvenience caused to the school and his colleagues, and hoped that students’ exam grades would not be affected as he “has been putting students’ welfare first”.
June Leung Ho-kei, one of the founders of Beacon College, had previously supported Ma. But she said on Tuesday that the school decided to hold an investigation because convincing information had surfaced online.
Before his resignation, Ma was suspended by the school, and a three-person committee was appointed to investigate the incident, including HKGolden’s CEO.
As Ma has resigned, the school said in a statement that the committee will be working on improvement plans to handle similar incidents in the future.
It has offered its sincere apology for the disturbance caused and has contacted students on Ma’s courses to make appropriate arrangements.
“The school has attached importance to students’ welfare, we will spare no effort to provide a better learning environment, and strictly execute good school management,” the statement read.
