Hello Colleagues,
You may wish to look at providing proper Ablution facilities for Muslim
students and staff. It sounds like people are using the current toilets for
washing and cleaning which is a key requirement for Muslims before they
pray. Ramadan began in September and most Muslims are fasting until the end
of September/Early October. Whilst fasting is taking place there is
generally an increase in Prayers and this is why you are finding that the
toilets are being used the way they are.
The solution would be to provide adequate ablution facilities, I know other
organisations who have made such requirements available. Further advice
could be sought from Muslim students/staff on what the requirements are.
Hope this helps.
Kez Hayat
Equality and Diversity Officer
University of Bradford
Tel: 01274 233076
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Julie Bullimore
Sent: 23 September 2008 09:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Delicate Enquiry
Dear Colleagues,
It's interesting the queries that come your way when you work in E&D. This
is one I need to share but it is on a delicate subject so those of a less
robust nature, please look away now.
Last year we had to replace a huge number of toilet seats in one particular
faculty. Over the summer all has been quiet, but last week, it started
again. We believe the seats are being broken because of people standing on
them when going to the toilet. Now I understand that the most likely
explanation for this is that some of our overseas students will be used to a
different type of toilet and find it difficult to use a western toilet.
I'm sure that we can do simple things like put signs up asking people not to
do it but my question is - have any of you come across this problem and have
you made any adjustments such as changing some of your facilities to be more
accommodating? I.e.. installing Asian or hole in the floor toilets? Or
perhaps some other novel way of dealing with the issue.
Any advice much appreciated.
Julie
Julie Bullimore
Equality and Diversity Adviser
Newcastle University
[log in to unmask]
0191 222 3440
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