 |
 |
That is what the original email seemed to suggest. In Asia both types of toilets are available. A lot of people have a Western style toilet fitted to accommodate the needs of friends and relatives from abroad. So it wouldn't be too much to ask if we did the same. The hygiene issue is definitely true as having spoken to relatives they find it inconcievable that everyone is going to use the same seat. But I think it's pointless making suggestions without knowing what students actually want. -----Original Message----- From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Deborah Viney Sent: 23 September 2008 14:45 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Delicate Enquiry some people believe that people who are used to squatting style toilets may stand on the seat and then squat - personally I doubt it, but I have heard it suggested. It does make me think of another point though: I can imagine that those used to "squatters" might feel that western style toilets are unhygienic because you have to touch them, so it may be worth ensuring that seat cleaning spray and seat covers are made available. regards, Deb 2008/9/23 Abdul Wahab <[log in to unmask]> I'm confused about that too. The only way the seat would get broken is if someone had stood on it (possibly to hide their drugs!). Unless students are maliciously breaking toilet seats. -----Original Message----- From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adam Jones Sent: 23 September 2008 14:16 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Delicate Enquiry Hello, Regarding the provision of ablution facilities for Muslim students and staff, I'm wondering about the connection with damage to toilet seats. Surely it would not be permissible to perform wudu with water from the toilet? Nor would it be permissible to bring a container of water into the cubicle. Anyway, surely neither case would require standing on the toilet seat? Best wishes Adam ------------------------------------------------ Adam Jones Equality & Diversity Newcastle University e: [log in to unmask] t: +44 (0)191 222 8794 http://www.ncl.ac.uk/diversity >-----Original Message----- >From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list >[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of K HAYAT >Sent: 23 September 2008 11:02 >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Re: Delicate Enquiry > >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 > -- Deb Viney, Diversity Advisor, SOAS --------------------------------------------------------- Bloomsbury Diversity Week is 10th - 15th Nov 2008. If you fancy joining the fabulous SOAS World Music Choir for an afternoon on Monday 10th Nov, please contact [log in to unmask] for a registration form. --------------------------------------------------------- School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG tel: 0207 898 4957 email: [log in to unmask]