Oxford University has apologised for saying that avoiding eye contact could be “everyday racism” after it was accused of discriminating against autistic people.

The claim was included in a list of “racial micro-aggressions” in an equality and diversity unit newsletter.

But the university was criticised for being “insensitive” to autistic people who can struggle making eye contact.

It said it had made a mistake and not taken disabilities into account.

The university originally said “racial micro-aggressions” might include: “Not making eye contact or speaking directly to people.”

It described the behaviours as “subtle, everyday racism” which can be alienating.