Why Oxford students have banned clapping

Motion to replace applause with jazz hands has faced condemnation and mockery

Oxford University
(Image credit: 2012 Getty Images)

Students at Oxford University will replace clapping at student union events with “silent jazz hands” after concerns that applause could trigger anxiety.

Officials at the university’s student union say that clapping causes an “access issue” for some disabled students who have “anxiety disorders, sensory sensitivity and those who use hearing aids”.

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