How many men does it take to make a female cleaner scrub “Happy International Women’s Day” from the steps of the University of Oxford campus? Four, apparently.
In a tweet that went viral Thursday, a woman was captured scrubbing the words from the steps of Oxford’s Clarendon Building as women across the world celebrated International Women’s Day.
“What an image for #IWD,” tweeted Oxford professor Sophie Smith.
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 responded to Smith’s image, writing that it is “deeply sorry for this and for offence caused.”
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
Smith said she appreciated the message, but that the real apology needed to go to the woman who had to scrub the steps.
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.
— Sophie Smith (@DrSophieSmith) March 8, 2018
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