Oxford University has come under fire after a department invited alumni to a dinner, with the invitation stating “partners and wives” were welcome.
Sent from the Department of Materials Alumni Association, the message asked if graduates would like to attend a dinner event at Oxford’s St Edmund Hall.
Dr Anna Ploszajski tweeted a screenshot of the email using #everydaysexism, which is popularly used to share accusations of sexism on a day-to-day basis.
The award-winning materials scientist and engineer wrote: “In which universe is it acceptable to say ‘partners and wives are very welcome’ on an invitation?”
Current Oxford PhD student Sally Le Page pointed out that addressing the invite to “alumnus” was also incorrect as it is the male singular form of the word.
In support of the “non-inclusive language”, Johnny Rich started up “#ancientromansexism” on Twitter.
The department tweeted an apology, saying: “An outdated unacceptable invitation template was used in error. We are committed to gender equality and will do better.”
A University of Oxford spokesperson said it was “looking into the matter but it is absolutely committed to gender equality, including the advancement of women in science”.
SWNS
