Zayn choice the wrong direction

A student union is at the centre of a social media storm after choosing One Direction star Zayn Malik, pictured, as one of its faces of Black History Month.

Furious posters have pointed out that half-British, half-Pakistani Zayn is neither black nor noteworthy enough to be included alongside names on the list such as Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Trevor McDonald.

Kent Union, which was formed in 1965, aims to ‘empower’ students at the University of Kent.

As part of Black History Month, which runs throughout October, it chose six figures to represent diversity.

The inclusion of One Direction star Zayn led to a backlash. The official Black History Month Twitter account said it was “deeply disappointed at the ill-thought and misdirected celebrations”.

Kent Union president Rory Murray said this week: “I want to apologise on behalf of Kent Union to any individuals who were upset, uncomfortable or offended by the image shared.

“There was no intent for this to happen and I am very sorry to anybody who felt this way.”