Newcastle University advises staff against using term ‘Christmas break’ for inclusivity

Staff were asked to rename Christmas and Easter breaks in a push for inclusivity


Festive cheer hasn’t quite reached Newcastle University this year as the institution has asked staff to avoid using the term “Christmas break”.

Staff members were advised to use the phrase “winter break” instead in a guide on inclusive language.

In addition, the term “Easter break” is also suggested to be replaced with “spring break” to promote year-round inclusivity.

According to The Sun, Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said:“Newcastle University needs to be reminded that Britain is still a Christian country and we still celebrate Christian festivals.

“Does inclusion not apply to Christians?”

This is not the first time the university has come under fire for being too “woke”.

In August, it faced backlash for advising against the use of “patronising and gendered terms” like “girls, pet or ladies.”

Phrases like “man up,” “grow some balls,” or “don’t be such a girl” also featured in the university’s inclusivity spree in August.

The most recent 20-page guide emphasises the “positive impact” that these changes will have “as non-religious terms make the calendar more inclusive and sensitive to a diverse range of beliefs.”

A university spokesperson said: “We have renamed the breaks to reflect the seasons and be more inclusive of our diverse community of students and staff.”

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