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Killjoy university chiefs have banned students from getting free sombreros - claiming they're 'racist'.

Students were being given free sombreros by a local Tex-Mex restaurant in a bid to drum up business , before uni chiefs ordered them to stop - because it violates strict cultural appropriation rules.

The University of East Anglia student union officials even took the big floppy hats from students at the Freshers' Fair, because non-Mexicans wearing the traditional item of headwear could be seen as offensive, according to a new initiative.

(Image: Getty)

The Union has stated that the handing out of sombreros breached a key advertising policy which was sent to all stall holders before the event, prohibiting any use of stereotypical imagery in advertising.

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It read: "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.

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Speaking to student newspaper The Tab, one first-year who asked not to be named, said: "It's ridiculous - it's a comedy hat, not some sort of sacred religious dress.

"Who is going to get offended? Speedy Gonzales?"

But the Student Union defended their stance on the floppy hat.

Campaigns and Democracy officer Chris Jarvis 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."

He added: "At the Student Union 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."

Pedros manager Matthew Ward was unavailable to comment today, but a worker at the restaurant said: "It's ridiculous."