Brighton Uni: ‘Avoid saying Christmas to promote religious inclusion’

Staff at the University of Brighton have been told not to use the word ‘Christmas’ for fear of offending people of “faith or no faith”, it has been revealed.

Guidance claiming to promote a “diverse academic community” suggests the phrase “Christmas closure period” be dropped in favour of “Winter closure period”.

The nine-page document also includes recommended terminology for sexual orientation, sex, gender and gender identity.

‘Christmas’ too Christian

The Inclusive Language Guidance states: “Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions, and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe.”

It then highlights how “inappropriate language and discrimination can be targeted at people with any faith or no faith”.

Consequently, it concludes, staff should avoid “using Christian-centric language”, such as “Christmas” and “Christian name”.

‘Barmy’

The Christian Institute’s Simon Calvert said: “These kinds of barmy suggestions come up nearly every Christmas. Thankfully, the vast majority of people are far too sensible to pay any attention to them.

“Staff and students at Brighton University are perfectly free to wish one another a Merry Christmas if they want to.”

Although the guidance asks staff to avoid using the word ‘Christmas’, in response to criticism the University claimed: “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.”