‘Wives welcome’ invite accused of sexism

♦ The University of Oxford’s Department of Materials has come under fire on Twitter for a “sexist” alumni invitation after saying “partners and wives” were welcome to attend an event.

Dr Anna Ploszajski, a former Oxford Materials student, noticed that it did not mention whether husbands were welcome too, and tweeted: “Um @Oxfordmaterials in which universe is it acceptable to say “Partners and wives are very welcome” on an invitation? #Everydaysexism.”

Scientist Dr Zoe Davis tweeted: “Bring along the little lady, the poor dear won’t understand any of the long words but she can sit and smile politely.”

Andrew Smyth, former Bake Off contestant and aerospace engineer wrote: “Eugh, poor show @Oxfordmaterials.”

Sally Le Page, an Oxford University PHD student, also said the department’s use of Latin was incorrect, tweeting: “They also addressed it to ‘alumnus’ which is masculine singular.”