A university society has provoked ridicule by asking comedians to sign a “safe space” contract, forbidding them from making jokes about class, race or sexuality.

Unicef on Campus at Soas, University of London, tried to book five comics to appear at an unpaid charity gig in January, but the invitation came with a “behavioural agreement form”.

It decreed that the comedy night would be a “safe space” and all topics discussed by performers must be “presented in a way that is respectful and kind”.

The form continued: “By signing this contract, you are agreeing to our no tolerance policy with regards to racism, sexism, classism, ageism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia or anti-religion or anti-atheism.”

Konstantin Kisin, a Russian-born comedian who lives in London, was among those who received the email on Sunday and posted a screenshot of it online.

The 35-year-old told The Daily Telegraph the demands were reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984 and unlike anything he had encountered in his career.