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NUS student group says ‘sorry’ for poster’s ‘disrespectful and insensitive’ remarks

A student group from the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Campus Crusade for Christ, has apologised for putting up posters along campus walls which contained “disrespect and insensitive” remarks on other religions.

On its Facebook page, the student group apologised for the “distress” that they have caused with their poster -- which has already gone viral on Facebook -- and adding that they will be “watchful of future actions”.

“We recognise that our choice of words used should have been more sensitive and tactful. We acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and it is definitely not our intention to force anyone to believe in what we do,” the student group said.

The poster in question was advertising overseas trips to Thailand and Turkey but had contained insensitive comments about the countries’ religions.

When contacted by Yahoo! Singapore, a spokesperson from NUS said that they have already instructed the student group to remove the posters and all related postings on their website and that all students involved in this matter have been counselled.

NUS is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community. All members of our community are expected to be respectful towards the religious customs, beliefs and sensitivities of others. We apologise for the disrespectful comments and insensitive actions of our student group,” he said.

However, in school, the poster fiasco has received a lot of attention from students.

Stella Tang, who is in her third year at the university, told Yahoo! Singapore that one should be careful when promoting his or her religion and should be extremely careful when approaching such a sensitive topic.

Economics undergraduate Evia Hu agreed. She said, “I think they should be careful with their words. We should respect each others’ religion like how they will want others to respect Christianity.”

She added that even though it may be natural for some to feel that their religion is superior to others, “I don’t think any religion [should] preach conflicts and discrimination”.

The same sentiment was felt by third year student Alvina Wang. “Although it may be acceptable for people to promote and spread the words of their own religion… [but] from what’s written on the poster, it feels like they are attempting to impose their religion onto others," she said.