A man dressed as an ISIS fighter at the 2016 Hyde St Keg Party

University of Otago students have rejected a controversial ban against offensive costumes.

Before the March 2016 Hyde St Keg Party the Otago University Students' Association told Dunedin students they were not to dress "offensively". It issued an extensive list of costumes to avoid, including like Arabs, Nazis, Bill Cosby or Caitlyn Jenner.

The costume ban sparked outrage from some would-be participants.

Riley Baker Students head to the Hyde St Keg Party.

In a binding referendum, 61.67 per cent voted to reject OUSA regulating costumes for the annual party.

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OUSA administrative vice-president Jarred Griffiths told the Otago Daily Times he did not believe there would be an explosion of offensive outfits next year, despite the result.

"Whether or not guidelines or regulations are necessary I think is quite moot, because students are relatively sensible anyway," he said.

Griffiths said offensive costumes were not banned at this year's party, rather OUSA released guidelines after being approached by a feminist group.

This year's event was attended by 3600 people.

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