OXFORD University has apologised after a cleaner was asked to remove chalk graffiti celebrating International Women's Day.
Oxford University political professor Dr Sophie Smith photographed the scene on the steps of the university's Clarendon Building in Broad Street yesterday and shared it on Twitter.
Her tweet has now been shared more than 13,000 times.
She wrote: "Oxford security makes a woman cleaner scrub out “Happy International Women’s Day” on the Clarendon steps. What an image for #IWD."
Oxford security makes a woman cleaner scrub out “Happy International Women’s Day” on the Clarendon steps. What an image for #IWD, @UniofOxford. #strikeforUSS #UCUstrike pic.twitter.com/E9u5S37hWW
— Sophie Smith (@DrSophieSmith) March 8, 2018
Oxford University has now replied saying it was 'deeply sorry' and adding that the cleaner should never have been asked to do it.
We are deeply sorry for this and for offence caused. International Women's Day is hugely important to Oxford. This should not have happened.
— Oxford University (@UniofOxford) March 8, 2018
Dr Smith responded the university: "I appreciate your apology, but far more importantly can you please make sure that the woman asked to remove the message receives a heartfelt apology, a warm cup of tea, the rest of the day off and, along with all our precarious staff, good enough pay to live in this city."
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