By Ben Thompson
Photography: Vita Student
The University of Manchester Students’ Union found itself at the centre of a national controversy, this week. A recent policy, voted through the Senate with a two-third majority, resolved to “swap audible clapping out for British Sign Language clapping at SU events”.
BSL clapping – in which individuals twist their hands in a manner akin to ‘Jazz hands’ – has long been incorporated into events to be inclusive to deaf audiences and those uncomfortable with loud noises (primarily people with anxiety or autism). The Student Union asserts that their policy came about as a way of being more inclusive towards disabled students.
An extremely vocal backlash followed, spearheaded by many of the country’s most prominent tabloid newspapers. Television presenter Piers Morgan took the opportunity to attack the policy on Good Morning Britain and tweeted ‘Britain’s losing its mind’. The BBC North West account also received thousands of retweets and replies, many of which were critical in nature.
However, the Student Union has published a response insisting that the policy has been greatly misunderstood.
They state that the policy would have no bearing on gigs, theatre productions or sporting events. The Student Union has also clarified that there is no ‘ban on audible clapping’ as many news outlets and pundits have suggested. They reiterate that the policy only seeks to encourage the BSL clapping, rather than enforcing any restrictions on clapping.
Despite the negative backlash, the Student Union is standing by their policy, stating that they have received “many positive responses from disabled students, who were delighted to feel more included in our democratic process”. The Union claims that the policy has led to many of these students participating in events for the first time.
The Union invites all students to get involved in the democratic process and share their ideas in making the university more inclusive for everybody. The next senate meeting will be held on the 8th November, and all members of the University Students’ Union are welcome to attend.
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…
Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come. Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…
Leave a reply