German professor: Indian males not welcome because of rape problem

The Institute of Biochemistry at Leipzig University in Germany rejected an Indian student’s internship application, citing India’s “rape problem” and attitude towards women. Annette G Beck-Sickinger, professor of biochemistry, wrote an email to the unnamed Indian student saying: “Unfortunately I don’t accept any Indian male students for internships. We hear a lot about the rape problem in India… I have many female students in my group, so I think this attitude is something I cannot support”.

Germany’s ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, wrote a letter to professor Beck-Sickinger slamming her decision, adding: “Your oversimplifying and discriminating generalization is an offense to [the Indian] women and men ardently committed to furthering women empowerment in India”. When the controversy caught public attention, Beck-Sickinger apologised for the “misunderstanding”, arguing the rejection was actually due to lack of space and not discrimination.