A university has banned students from wearing sombreros after they deemed the Mexican hats to be ‘racist’.

The student union (SU) at the University of East Anglia ordered staff at Pedro’s Tex-Mex Cantina in Norwich to stop handing out the free sombreros at a fresher’s fair in a bid to boost business.

Officials at the university believe that it would be “offensive” for anyone who is not Mexican to be wearing the traditional headwear.

They say the restaurant broke an advertising policy that states: “Discriminatory or stereotypical language or imagery aimed towards any group or individual based on characteristics will not be permitted as part of our advertising.”

Campaigns and Democracy officer Chris Jarvis told student newspaper The Tab: “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.”

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He added: “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.”

However, students at the university are astonished at the ban.

One said: “It’s ridiculous - it’s a comedy hat, not some sort of sacred religious dress.

“Who is going to get offended? Speedy Gonzales?”

The British Mexican Society said they “applauded” any business for trying to drum up business.

Bosses at the restaurant have so far not commented on the ban, although one unknown worker told the Daily Mail: “It’s ridiculous.”

Pedro’s Tex-Mex Cantina is an independent, family-owned business that has been open since 1991.



Pics: Rex/Google