Oxford says sorry for autistic suggestion

OXFORD University has apologised for suggesting that students who avoid eye contact could be guilty of racism, after it was accused of discriminating against autistic people.

The university’s Equality and Diversity Unit has advised students in their Trinity term newsletter that it could be deemed a “racial microaggression” which can lead to “mental ill-health”.

Other examples of “everyday racism” include “not speaking directly to people” and asking someone where they are “originally” from, students were told.

But the university has now distanced itself from the guidance and issued an apology after it was criticised for being “insensitive” to autistic people who struggle to make eye contact. David M Davis wrote on Twitter: “This is just discrimination against autistic people. One sign of autism is avoiding eye contact. How dare Oxford be so insensitive.”

In a series of messages on the social media site, the university replied: “We made a mistake. Our newsletter was too brief to deal adequately and sensibly with the issue.

“We are sorry that we took no account of other reasons for difference in eye contact and social interaction, including disability. Oxford deeply values and works hard to support students and staff with disabilities, including those with autism or social anxiety disorder.”