Oxford University apologises after eye contact racism claim irks autism community
'The newsletters authors need a reality check', said a professor of sociology at University of Kent
PHOTO: REUTERS
Oxford University has apologised after it was accused of discriminating against autistic people.
This claim was included in an equality and diversity unit newsletter published by the university which stated that avoiding eye contact could be "everyday racism."
However, the university was criticised for being “inconsiderate” towards autistic people who struggle making eye contact.
The Oxford management later said it had made a mistake and not taken disabilities into account.
When defining what “racial micro-aggressions” might include, the university included, "not making eye contact or speaking directly to people."
It described the behaviours as everyday racism which can be isolating.
Malala likely to get admission in Oxford after completing A-levels
‘Discrimination’
Twitter users criticised the newsletter.
In a series of tweets, the university apologised for the misconduct.
“The newsletters authors need a reality check,” said Professor Frank Furedi, an Emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent.
This article originally appeared on BBC
This claim was included in an equality and diversity unit newsletter published by the university which stated that avoiding eye contact could be "everyday racism."
However, the university was criticised for being “inconsiderate” towards autistic people who struggle making eye contact.
The Oxford management later said it had made a mistake and not taken disabilities into account.
When defining what “racial micro-aggressions” might include, the university included, "not making eye contact or speaking directly to people."
It described the behaviours as everyday racism which can be isolating.
Malala likely to get admission in Oxford after completing A-levels
‘Discrimination’
Twitter users criticised the newsletter.
In a series of tweets, the university apologised for the misconduct.
“The newsletters authors need a reality check,” said Professor Frank Furedi, an Emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent.
This article originally appeared on BBC