The future world leaders at Oxford University in the UK have boldly stepped up to ban applause and hand-clapping at student council meetings and student union events. Instead, the use of silent “jazz hands” is encouraged so as to reduce “anxiety” and boost “inclusivity.”

Jazz hands, also known as British Sign Language (BSL) clapping, involves quickly moving one’s hands back and forth in front of you.

Students at the elite school clearly are aiming to be at the forefront of the snowflake revolution. According to the Daily Mail, a former Oxford student said: “Oxford University Student Union is always seeking to be more accommodating for students. Especially for those with accessibility issues. But this idea will not work and is completely ludicrous.”

Roisin McCallion, vice president for welfare and equal opportunity, and one of the co-sponsors of the motion at the student union’s first meeting of the school year, said: “The policy was proposed in order to encourage the use of British Sign Language clapping during our democratic events to make those events more accessible and inclusive for all, including people who suffer from anxiety. Inclusivity is one of the Students’ Union’s founding principles.”

Among those ridiculing the move was Piers Morgan, who pointed out that the “new rule new rule excludes blind people, so will make them feel marginalised.”  He also wisely advised those making such rules: “Grow a pair you imbeciles.”

H @OxfordSU_WEO, re your ban on clapping to stop students with anxiety being triggered, & use of silent ‘jazz hands’ instead..
a) Performing ‘jazz hands’ is racist.
b) Your new rule excludes blind people, so will make them feel marginalised.
c) Grow a pair you imbeciles.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 24, 2019

Worryingly Finding myself agreeing with Piers more and more these days ???

— Johnny Ward (@onestep4ward) October 25, 2019

In 2018, the University of Manchester–another high-thinking British college–approved a similar rule discouraging the nerve-wracking habit of applauding.

Campus Reform reports that while they are “not aware of any American universities that have approved such rules, many U.S. colleges and universities do encourage [finger] ‘snaps’ rather than clapping for the same reason that Oxford and the University of Manchester encourage jazz hands.”

Can we simply things and get a list of things that aren’t triggers for these low wattage daffodils? Is there anything left that isn’t triggering or otherwise offensive?

— Jessica Whittaker (@BiBlFa) October 25, 2019

Thank god for Cambridge

— David Hargreaves (@PensionSchool) October 25, 2019

For those dialed into today’s sensitive “racist” frequencies, they agree with Morgan’s somewhat puzzling claim that “jazz hands” is offensive …

But this is tantamount to blackface. This is Al Jolson shit. This is a bunch of stupid white students waggling their hands and pretending to be minstrels. What on Earth are they thinking of?https://t.co/CAKA2XNGtM

— Giles Coren (@gilescoren) October 25, 2019

Oxford University students have voted to replace clapping with “Jazz hands” (hyper rotation of wrists in a wave-like motion).

The gesture is considered more inclusive for people who might get anxiety from loud noises. pic.twitter.com/Xs4NmKEZ7W

— RT UK (@RTUKnews) October 25, 2019

I’m offended at the blatant bias for jazz hands! What’s wrong with rap hands.. #racism

— Harvey Martin Torres (@MartinDaMarti4n) October 25, 2019

When white people do jazz hands, that’s technically a form of cultural appropriation.

There. I out-woked you, Oxford. https://t.co/Gdv5OZKFLd

— Joe Garza (@crankyhumorist) October 24, 2019

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Victor Rantala

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Victor Rantala is an Army vet who lives in Minnesota, he is a former intelligence analyst and business owner, and is an NRA Life member who is officially retired but has yet to slow his roll.

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