A University Has 'Banned' Clapping At Events

A student union at a major UK university is encouraging students to stop clapping in order to be more inclusive.

The union at the University of Manchester has voted to swap traditional clapping and cheering at their events in favour of British Sign Language (BSL) clapping or 'jazz hands.'

According to student newspaper The Mancunion, the decision was made because traditionally loud clapping and whooping noises "pose an issue to students with anxiety or sensory issues."

BSL clapping is considered much more inclusive to all students, according to the Union, who added that the motion received little opposition as the National Union of Students had incorporated 'jazz hands' since 2015.

Union officer Sarah Khan told the BBC that clapping, loud noises and whooping encourage an atmosphere that is not all that respectful.

"It can trigger issues for students have autism, sensory issues and deafness and it can discourage them from being present at those events," Khan said.

The resolution has brought a mixed response online, with some supporting the decision but many claiming it was unnecessary and counterproductive to inclusion. 

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Students have told local media that they didn't want to place a 'ban' but rather  "encourage" students not to clap in a bid to be more inclusive.