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Zambia university apologises for 'half-naked' poster | Zambia university apologises for 'half-naked' poster |
(35 minutes later) | |
Zambia's leading university has apologised for telling female students not to visit its library "half-naked" because it would distract men. | |
The University of Zambia said it had no dress code and it would not "tolerate old discredited misogynist views". | The University of Zambia said it had no dress code and it would not "tolerate old discredited misogynist views". |
A notice put up in the library at the campus in the capital, Lusaka, said: "Modest is the way to go!" | A notice put up in the library at the campus in the capital, Lusaka, said: "Modest is the way to go!" |
It divided opinion in the socially conservative nation, with some students supporting it and others opposing it. | It divided opinion in the socially conservative nation, with some students supporting it and others opposing it. |
In a statement, university librarian Christine Kanyengo said the notice did not reflect the views of the library's management. | In a statement, university librarian Christine Kanyengo said the notice did not reflect the views of the library's management. |
"We would like to unreservedly apologise to our female library users for any offence caused," she said. | "We would like to unreservedly apologise to our female library users for any offence caused," she said. |
All female students should "feel comfortable" when using the library, Ms Kanyengo said. | All female students should "feel comfortable" when using the library, Ms Kanyengo said. |
"Tolerance and diversity is the bedrock of our institution," she added in a statement which the BBC's Kennedy Gondwe has posted on Twitter. | |
Third-year student Dikina Muzeya, who had criticised the new rule, told the BBC she welcomed the apology. | Third-year student Dikina Muzeya, who had criticised the new rule, told the BBC she welcomed the apology. |
"The library management should be more conscious about notices that are published, especially notices involving restrictions, such as dress code, on a particular sex," she said. | "The library management should be more conscious about notices that are published, especially notices involving restrictions, such as dress code, on a particular sex," she said. |
Male student Killion Phiri had welcomed the ban when it was imposed. | Male student Killion Phiri had welcomed the ban when it was imposed. |
"How can you concentrate on studying when someone walks in a mini-skirt or a tight dress?" he said. | "How can you concentrate on studying when someone walks in a mini-skirt or a tight dress?" he said. |
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