The University of Sussex has apologised for the "derogatory" beer mats in welcome packs for new students
Anyone who has been to university would be familiar with the welcome pack you receive upon arrival.
If you aren't, it's basically just stuff like branded pens, discounts on food in the area, maps of campus... nothing to write home about.
But one university has come under fire for a freebie given out in their welcome packs this week.
Students and parents have slammed the University of Sussex and its Students' Union for a "sexist" beer mat given out to new students.
The mat is made by toothbrush service Brushbox, intended to promote dental hygiene... but people couldn't help but notice it contains a rather rude message.
The item features a highly suggestive image of a woman with her mouth open, toothpaste dripping out of it.
And a message on the reverse side reads: "Whether you spit or swallow as part of your (twice...) daily oral regime, place your oral health on autopilot with Brushbox."
Young woman is accepted to the University of Sussex and this is in her welcome bag. WTF @SussexUni Do you have any respect for women? This is sexual harassment. pic.twitter.com/IeKzvHX4KC
— Untameable Shrews (@untamableshrews) September 20, 2018
And the message was widely condemned on Twitter:
One person said: "Young woman is accepted to the University of Sussex and this is in her welcome bag. WTF. Do you have any respect for women? This is sexual harassment."
Another commented: "Beer mats given to University of Sussex freshers condemned as ‘sexist’. Or in fact, f***ing appalling. Your uni student daughter is just a piece of fresh meat for the boys."
A third wrote: "Oh my goodness! What were you thinking? In what universe could this ever be seen as a good idea?"
"Sexism is sexism even when it's 'a joke'. Women deserve better than this." added a fourth.
A spokesman for the University of Sussex Students’ Union said: "We were very disappointed to find this promotional material in our Dig-in boxes, and will be reviewing whether to renew our contract with this supplier."
"We can absolutely see why this promotional material in our Students’ Union’s freshers packs has sparked such a strong reaction.
"We’re sure this discussion will continue and that our Students’ Union and other student unions will feed back the reaction to the company responsible."
