University of Oxford Student Union Bans Clapping In Favor Of Jazz Hands Due To Student Anxiety Triggers

More than ever, people are being incredibly open and honest about their struggles with anxiety—and as a result, various adjustments have been made to general everyday practices. The latest change comes courtesy of University of Oxford, as the college has decided to officially ban clapping in favor of jazz hands, due to it being an anxiety trigger.

@WSBTV reports, that the student union at University of Oxford in Oxford, England has voted to ban clapping permanently. Instead of putting hands together to clap in celebration or approval of something, students are now encouraged use jazz hands instead—the gesture where you pull your hands apart, throw them in the air and shake them.

The ban is said to help calm those who may be suffering from anxiety, and as a result may be triggered by the loud noise that clapping produces. Additionally, clapping may cause an issue for those with sensory sensitivity and those with hearing aids, according to the Oxford University. In case you didn’t know, jazz hands are the sign for applause in British Sign Language.

Jazz hands will be encouraged at all events held by Oxford’s student union, with the group also pushing for the school to replace clapping with jazz hands at all university events permanently. The University of Manchester also passed a similar rule last year and added the suggestion that training for anxiety triggers for new students be mandatory.

Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?