Oxford Apologizes for International Women's Day Controversy

March 9, 2018 11:25 AM EST

Oxford has apologized after a photo of a female cleaner scrubbing the words “Happy International Women’s Day” off the University’s steps went viral.

The shot shows the female worker using a mop to clear away the chalk message as a group of male security guards stand idly by. It was captured and shared on Twitter on Thursday by Associate Professor Dr. Sophie Smith, who pointed out the irony of the image.

“Oxford security makes a woman cleaner scrub out ‘Happy International Women’s Day’ on the Clarendon steps,” Smith wrote. “What an image for #IWD.”

Oxford apologized for the gaffe later that day in a tweet. “We are deeply sorry for this and for offence caused,” the university wrote. “International Women’s Day is hugely important to Oxford. This should not have happened.”

However, the photo had already begun making the Internet rounds, prompting some to comment on its controversial nature. “Wow. Not a good look,” tweeted one user. “I don’t think management realised what an image that would make. They need to consult their marketing team.”

We are deeply sorry for this and for offence caused. International Women's Day is hugely important to Oxford. This should not have happened.
— University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) March 8, 2018

See some of the reactions below.

This image speaks a thousand words. https://t.co/poTVVpXPDR
— Ross Colquhoun (@rosscolquhoun) March 8, 2018

If only the "women's" part of the phrase was still visible, this would be one of those truly iconic images. Nevertheless, it really is some imagery. https://t.co/wHd8DhrGu4
— Natalie Washington (@Transsomething) March 8, 2018

it is the structure of the image, the context - and the stance of the security guards. it is cold too. Not a great look to send a woman out to 'clear' an IWD message #tsk
— Chris Murray (@CelizMurray) March 8, 2018

It's more than time for people to realise. Ignorant or informed, the situation is unacceptable, which the university has acknowledged. It's unacceptable on any day and symbolically worse on #internationalwomensday2018
— B G (@7seashorse) March 8, 2018

Symbolism is important here. During a peaceful International women's day rally. A low paid and probably precariously employed female cleaner, was sent out in the freezing cold to clean chalk writing saying Happy International Women's Day. Did it have to be removed? Then?
— Garrick Taylor (@OfficialGarrick) March 8, 2018

Oxford University Is Sorry for That Photo of a Woman Scrubbing ‘International Women’s Day’ Away

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