Sombreros banned from Freshers’ Fair

Sombreros were sensationally banned at yesterday’s Freshers’ Fair because they violated strict cultural appropriation rules.

The sombreros, which were being handed out by local Tex-Mex cuisine restaurant Pedros, were snatched away from freshers by unimpressed Union execs.

The Union has stated that the handing out of sombreros breached a key advertising policy which was sent to all stallholders before the event.

The policy prohibits any use of stereotypical imagery in advertising.

It reads: “Discriminatory or stereotypical language or imagery aimed towards to any group or individual based on (…) characteristics will not be permitted as part of our advertising.”

The policy specifies 15 types of discrimination, some of which include colour, ethnic origin, and nationality.

The sombreros were seen as racist and a form of cultural appropriation, despite the fact that the restaurant’s website says it offers a “Tex-Mex experience.”

When Pedros were asked to stop handing out the sombreros they were amicable in doing so, although some students were less impressed.

Campaigns and Democracy officer Chris Jarvis said: “At the SU we want all members feel safe and accepted, so at all events we try to ensure that there is no behaviour, language or imagery which could be considered racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or ableist.”

Questions are now being raised about costumes for other university events such as Pimp My Barrow – at last year’s event, a team dressed up as Mexicans and also donned sombreros.

Chris said: “We know that when it comes to cultural appropriation the issues can sometimes be difficult to understand and many don’t realise that they may be about to cause offence or break a policy.

“So we’re discussing internally how we can improve our briefing to both external organisations and our own members so that people aren’t caught out at the last minute.”

The Tab contacted Pedros for a comment but they have yet to respond.