Bibles banned at student halls: Company branded 'anti-Christian' after stopping Gideons from leaving Holy Book in rooms

The Gideons banned from leaving Bibles at Huddersfield University halls

Management company Digs wants residence to be ‘ethically neutral’

A company that manages student halls has been branded ‘anti-Christian’ after banning the Gideons from leaving Bibles in bedrooms.

Digs, which manages halls for Huddersfield University, said it wants properties to be ‘ethically neutral’. It also claims the ban is necessary because many students are from overseas.

But the Rev Mike Smith, a former minister at Huddersfield’s Golcar Baptist Church, said: ‘Our culture is not ethically neutral.

Bible ban: Digs which runs the student accommodation has banned The Gideons from leaving their bibles in the rooms at Huddersfield University's Storthes Hall Park

“I am sure that university authorities would not consider it ‘ethically neutral’ if their accommodation was used as a brothel, crack-house or a store for terrorist weapons.

‘Banning bibles is not ‘ethically neutral’. It is a positive anti-Christian step, and could be the edge of a very dangerous wedge.’

He added: ‘What is considered perfectly acceptable in hotels, hospitals and prisons is not fit for students! How foolish can you get?

‘There are two reasons. Both are utterly spurious.

‘Are the university authorities not aware that the Christian faith is a worldwide faith? And as for non-Christian students, they are not compelled to read the bibles.’

Religious book: The Gideons are an evangelical Christian organisation formed in 1899 who leave bibles in hotels and prisons

Rev Mike Smith, a former minister at Huddersfield¿s Golcar Baptist Church, has hit back at management company Digs saying it is an 'anti-Christian' step to ban the Bibles

Robyn Towning, marketing manager for the Digs, which has been responsible for refurbishing the 1,386 capacity Storthes Hall Park for Huddersfield University, said: ‘It’s not our role to be religious or have political views and impress them on our students.

‘We are here to provide accommodation and pastoral care.

‘Their bibles are in reception and there’s a Koran so students can access them if they want.’

Mr Towning added: ‘I don’t think the measure is anti-Christian; it’s our job to be neutral.’