Published 05:37 IST, November 2nd 2019
Oxford University bans clapping and suggests jazz hands instead
England's prestigious and renowned University of Oxford has incorporated a ban on clapping during the student council meetings and other official events.
England's prestigious and renowned University of Oxford has incorporated a ban on clapping during the student council meetings and other official student union events citing that it could trigger anxiety. Students of Oxford University have voted to replace clapping with a silent wave. An official statement from the student's council stated that loud clapping is considered to be not a good behavior and requested the students to opt for the British Sign Language "silent jazz hands".
The statement noted that loud claps could cause discomfort for students who are dealing with anxiety disorders, sensory sensitivity, and/or those who use hearing impairment aids.
The student union has assured that they will mandate this rule
Oxford, which is a prominent institute for higher education became the second major university to reject clapping after the University of Manchester adopted the same rule in 2018. The act was praised by the student union of Oxford in their statement. The student union has assured that they will mandate this rule and will encourage the use of jazz hands and further requested the college authorities to enact jazz hands at all school functions.
Some criticize the idea
Some media personalities were confused and were unable to understand the value of ban clapping. Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter that, "Re your ban on clapping to stop students with anxiety being triggered, & use of silent 'jazz hands' instead," television presenter Piers Morgan tweeted to Sabbatical Officer RóisÃn McCallion. "a) Performing 'jazz hands' is racist. b) Your new rule excludes blind people, so will make them feel marginalized. c) Grow a pair you imbeciles".
A former student of the university found this idea a bit silly and said that the Oxford University Student Union is always seeking to be more accommodating for students. The student said the idea is completely unreasonable.
Updated 05:37 IST, November 2nd 2019