A university’s student union has been branded a “national embarrassment” after selecting Zayn Malik and Sadiq Khan as poster-boys for Black History Month, which runs throughout October.

Following the announcement, furious students at Kent University pointed out that neither the former One Direction singer nor the London Mayor are black – and are both from British Pakistani families.

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Copyright [Kent Union]



The UK Black History Month organisers said they were “deeply disappointed” at the university’s student union for choosing Mr Malik and Mr Khan as two of the six public figures to represent diversity throughout the month’s celebrations.

A spokesperson for the organisation blasted the university on Twitter, writing: “With Asian Heritage Month being observed by a growing number of countries in May, will Black icons be celebrated by Kent University then?”

Khan was born in London in 1970 as one of eight children had by his parents, who had migrated from Pakistan to Britain. Meanwhile, former One Direction heartthrob Malik was born in Bradford in 1993 to British Pakistani parents.

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Students were quick to condemn the move by Kent Union, with one student posting on Twitter: “I’m so disgusted at @KentUnion they are celebrating an Asian popstar in honour of BLACK history month.”

Another added: “I respected Sadiq Khan, and have nothing against him. But @KentUnion how he represent black history month?” While one person branded the union a “national embarrassment.”

Responding to the backlash, union president Rory Murray apologised yesterday “to any individuals who were upset, uncomfortable or offended” by the image.

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“There was no intent for this to happen and I am very sorry to anbody who felt this way,” he added, in a lengthy Facebook post.

“At Kent Union we always strive to do the very best and include out members to the full extent on our activities. Whilst we made every effort to include black & minority ethnic students on the planning for the month, clearly, we haven’t got it right on this occasion.

“For that, I again apologise and will ensure we do better. Debate and discussion are an important part of any healthy university campus. I welcome people’s right to critique the messages put out; it has given us all a chance to reflect and learn more.”

Other names on the union’s list include Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Trevor McDonald, Shirley Bassey and Arthur Wharton, Britain’s first black professional footballer.