Brighton University urges staff to not say ‘Christmas’ because it’s too ‘Christian-centric’ – and instead call it the ‘winter closure period’

• Staff at the university were sent a nine-page document on phrases to avoid
• Other ‘offensive’ phrases in the document includes ‘millennial snowflakes’ 
• Spokesperson for the university said: ‘The guidance is exactly that – guidance’ 

The University of Brighton has guided staff not to say ‘Christmas’ this year as it may offend some students – instead asking them to call it the ‘winter closure period’.

It comes as bosses at Brighton claimed the word Christmas is too ‘Christian-centric’ even though it celebrates the birth of Christ.

Meanwhile, other ‘offensive’ phrases in a nine-page document sent to lecturers at the university includes ‘millennial snowflakes’.

Andrew Allison, of the Freedom Association, said: ‘Universities are supposed to be places where ideas are freely debated. 

The University of Brighton, pictured, has asked staff to avoid saying ‘Christmas’ as it may offend some students – instead asking them to call it the ‘winter closure period’

‘This is Orwellian and ridiculous. Staff and students ought to ignore it and have a good Christmas.’

The nine page document sent to staff at Brighton said: ‘The purpose of this guidance document is to empower staff to use inclusive language confidently and effectively, in order to ensure that both students and staff alike feel safe, valued and respected.

‘Prevailing attitudes, misconceptions and stereotypes are embedded within modes of communication, and these factors are sometimes reflected – whether consciously or not – in the language that we use when communicating. 

‘This means communication…may be offensive when this is not our intention.’ 

Then, in a table advising staff on what not to say to students, they are urged to avoid the term ‘Christmas closure period’ and replace it with ‘winter closure period’. The purpose of this is to ‘avoid using Christian-centric language’. 

Meanwhile, staff are also advised not to ask students ‘What is your Christian name?’ but instead question ‘What is your first name?’ or ‘What is your given name?’. 

In a statement sent to MailOnline, a spokesperson for the University of Brighton said: ‘This guidance was produced with our staff and students and is part of our shared commitment to making Brighton a place where everyone feels respected and valued. The guidance is exactly that – guidance.’

They added: ‘Words are not ”banned” at Brighton, and neither is Christmas – as is clear from the decorations and Christmas trees in our buildings and across our campuses.’ 

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