Posted on October 1, 2015

Mexican Restaurant Banned from Handing Out Sombreros as University Brands Them Racist

Andy Wells, Yahoo! News, September 28, 2015

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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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?”

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