University in UK Adopting Use of ‘Jazz Hands’ Because Traditional Clapping is Triggering

University in UK Adopting Use of ‘Jazz Hands’ Because Traditional Clapping is Triggering

This is a good reminder that madness in higher education isn’t limited to the United States.

Campus Reform reports:

British univ. decides CLAPPING isn’t inclusive enough

A student newspaper at Oxford University in the United Kingdom is reporting that the school’s student council will encourage the use of “jazz hands,” the British Sign Language symbol for “applause,” rather than clapping because traditional applause could cause anxiety.

According to the Oxford Student, the Oxford Student Council approved a motion mandating the officers to encourage the use of jazz hands rather than clapping. Oxford University Student Council Vice President of Welfare and Equal Opportunity Roisin McCallion reportedly introduced the motion, which passed Tuesday. The phrase “jazz hands” refers to when one moves their hands quickly back and forth in front of them.

The Daily Mail quoted one Oxford student as saying, “Oxford University Student Union is always seeking to be more accommodating for students. Especially for those with accessibility issues.” However, the student added, “but this idea will not work and is completely ludicrous.”

Piers Morgan even weighed in on the controversy, tweeting, “re your ban on clapping to stop students with anxiety being triggered, & use of silent ‘jazz hands’ instead.. a) Performing ‘jazz hands’ is racist. b) Your new rule excludes blind people, so will make them feel marginalised. c) Grow a pair you imbeciles.”

H @OxfordSU_WEO, re your ban on clapping to stop students with anxiety being triggered, & use of silent ‘jazz hands’ instead..
a) Performing ‘jazz hands’ is racist.
b) Your new rule excludes blind people, so will make them feel marginalised.
c) Grow a pair you imbeciles.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 24, 2019

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