University bans clapping, suggests ‘jazz hands’ instead

MANCHESTER, UK (KRON) – The student union at the University of Manchester has banned clapping, whooping, and cheering at their events. 

Instead, they suggest using “jazz hands.”

It’s all to help students with autism, sensory issues, or deafness, who may be triggered by traditional clapping, student union officer Sara Khan told the BBC. 

“I think a lot of time, I’ve seen that clapping, whooping, talking over each other, loud noises, encourages an atmosphere that is not as respectful as it could be,” she said. 

Under the new regulations, British Sign Language (BSL) clapping will be used at student events like debates, panels, and talks. 

The National Union of Students, which introduced BSL clapping at its events in 2015, said individual unions acknowledge the needs of all their students and respond to their needs.