University sorry over Sikh and Muslim gaffe
UNIVERSITY staff have been branded ‘ignorant’ after making an embarrassing blunder which saw them ‘confuse Sikhs and Muslims’ online.
A social media post by the University of Birmingham (UOB) incorrectly claimed a 20-year-old event hosted by its Sikh students was part of an Islamic awareness week.
Members of the Sikh community have hit out at the ‘shocking’ gaffe, claiming ‘these mistakes should not happen in 2024’.
The university has since apologised for its error and confirmed the post was ‘immediately deleted’ once the mistake was spotted.
Students within the university’s Sikh Society hosted their Langar on Campus event on February 5. The annual event, which has been held at the university for the past two decades, promotes the Sikh concept of langar.
Langar is a concept which sees free meals cooked in a communal kitchen and served by volunteers to all people within gurdwaras.
More than 15 universities across the UK now host similar events, with students serving free vegetarian meals on campus.
But students in Birmingham were left disappointed when a staff member managing the university’s Instagram account tagged their event in a post with the text ‘Discover Islam Week’. Discover Islam Week is an annual awareness campaign run by the university’s Islamic Society.
It was held between February 6 and 9 this year, with events promoting the teachings of Islam.
Jasveer Singh, Sikh Press Association senior press officer, said: “It is disappointing but very revealing to see those in charge of the public image of the UOB are ignorant regarding the communities at the university.
“There is clearly an issue with the training and education given to UOB staff. Sikhs have been a prominent segment of the University of Birmingham community for decades.
“Aspects of Sikhi are taught at UOB. It has Sikh lecturers and regularly hosts Sikh events.
“Yet, none of that has penetrated enough to ensure those coming in to represent UOB are aware of even the basics of Sikhi.
“The UOB swiftly deleted the post but they owe a wider apology to two groups for the mistake and they also must be transparent about how staff are trained to ensure they recognise the diversity at the university.
“More Sikhs are practising their faith in more traditional ways and understandings about the community is important. Sikhs are part of the fabric of Birmingham. These mistakes should not happen in 2024.”
People have since taken to social media to slam the university’s blunder. One person commented ‘unbelievable’, while another said it was ‘not right and shocking’.
A third described the mistake as ‘embarrassing’ while another said they were ‘utterly gobsmacked’. A University of Birmingham spokesperson said: “The university sincerely apologises for any offence or upset this has caused. We recognise this post was incorrect. It was identified shortly after being posted and immediately deleted. The university respects and celebrates the diversity of our community and continually works to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment. We have made contact with relevant individuals and groups to apologise directly and listen to their views.”