University of Birmingham in the UK in the eye of storm for confusing Sikhs with Muslims

Many social media users said the mistake was “embarrassing” and left them “utterly baffled”.

The University of Birmingham removed the post. (File)

University of Birmingham: The University of Birmingham has faced the wrath of members of the Sikh community in the UK for confusing them with Muslims in a social media post and saying “these mistakes cannot happen in 2024” .

However, it is reported that the University of Birmingham has removed the post and also apologized for posting it incorrectly, claiming that a recent 'langar (communal meal)' event organized by Sikh students was part of a Islamic awareness week. This news was announced on Monday by The Birmingham Mail newspaper.

Coincidentally, earlier this month, students from the university's Sikh Society organized an event serving free vegetarian meals on campus.

But they were disappointed when a staff member tagged their event in a post saying “Discover Islam Week,” an annual awareness campaign by the university's Islamic Society.

“It's disappointing. There is clearly a problem with the training and education given to the staff,” said Jasveer Singh, member of the Sikh Press Association, while speaking to the newspaper, adding that the aspects of Sikhism are taught at the university, which has teachers from the community. and regularly organizes Sikh events.

Many social media users said the error was “embarrassing” and left them “completely baffled”.

“The university sincerely apologizes for any offense or disruption this may have caused. We acknowledge that this message was incorrect. It was identified shortly after posting and immediately removed,” a University of Birmingham spokesperson said.

“The University respects and celebrates the diversity of our community and continually works to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment. We have reached out to relevant individuals and groups to apologize directly and hear their views.”

Jasveer Singh said the university owes a broader apology to the two groups for the mistake.

(With IANS inputs)