University tweets no-nonsense message to people complaining about scholarships for refugees

A UK university has a message for anyone not on board with its plan to award 14 scholarships to refugees living locally — if you don't like it, tough luck.

The University of Reading tweeted that it had received feedback about its plan to "offer up to 14 scholarships to refugees living in the local area."

"To these people, we would like to say: Tough. Jog on," read the tweet.

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In June, the university announced it was launching a new scholarship scheme for the city's refugee community. Per a university statement, the scholarship scheme was developed in partnership with Reading Refugee Support Group and Reading University Students' Union.

Gaby Couchman, deputy manager at Reading Refugee Support Group, said that the organisation works with refugees in the city "who have a strong desire to engage with higher education in the UK."

"These are often young and highly educated people who have had their studies interrupted due to conflict and persecution in their home country," says Couchman.

Professor Robert Van de Noort from the University of Reading said: "We welcome to Reading those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries and we value the contribution those seeking sanctuary can make to the University and the town in general.

"The launch of these scholarships is another practical step the University has taken to welcome and integrate all people into our communities, our activities and our culture."

You tell 'em, Reading.