The University of Glasgow & "trigger warnings" for theology students studying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ

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National Post October 2 2018

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Sara Khan, Manchester University’s liberation and access officer, argued that traditional applause was not sufficiently 'accessible.' Whooping is also discouraged
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I have personally, never liked whooping, in its various formats, including whooping people up at church or ministry meetings. However, I am also, in the context of western society, not interested in having authorities limit reasonable expression. In other words, I do not support rules on 'how to applaud'. I can support applause within the context of law and order. Rules are not required as long as law and order is maintained.

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LONDON — Clapping has been replaced with “jazz hands” at a British student union amid fears that the noise of applause could trigger anxiety among some students. 

Whooping is also discouraged at Manchester University student union events on the basis that the loud noise may be a problem for those with sensory issues. 

The use of “jazz hands” — where students wave their hands in the air — is the British Sign Language expression for applause and is deemed a more inclusive gesture. 

At the union’s first meeting of the year, Sara Khan, who is Manchester University’s liberation and access officer, argued that traditional applause was not sufficiently “accessible.” 

The union resolved to ban clapping in favour of “jazz hands,” and urged “student groups and societies to do the same.” 

The students’ union also plans to make “BSL clapping” part of inclusion training for new students. 

The union noted that “loud noises, including whooping and traditional applause, could pose an issue for students with disabilities, such as those with anxiety or sensory issues.” 

Jazz hands should be favoured at debates, panels and talks as well as at meetings of the student senate, it said. Students who whoop, cheer and clap should face 'consequences'
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I am personality wise, more on the quiet side, but for the sake of liberty, I am willing to experience louder applause from others.

Those with disabilities which prohibit typical applause, can choose to do other, or not applause at all.

I do not always applause in a public setting, just because the majority do, but I support these kinds of liberties being maintained in western democracies.

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“Jazz hands” were adopted by the National Union of Students (NUS) in 2015 on the basis that clapping “triggers anxiety.”

Delegates at last year’s NUS conference said that students who whoop, cheer and clap should face “consequences.”

Audience members were repeatedly warned that they must cease whooping to express support for a speaker because it had a “serious impact” on the accessibility of the conference for disabled students. 

Critics of the move say that such behaviour is typical of an over-sensitive “snowflake generation” of students who are quick to take offence. Last year it emerged that Oxford University’s equality and diversity unit had issued guidance to students advising them that those who avoided making eye contact with their peers could be guilty of racism.
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This is over-sensitivity and again risks the negation of personal liberty.

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The University of Glasgow started issuing “trigger warnings” for theology students studying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, whereby students would be told in advance that they may see distressing images and would be given the opportunity to leave the room.
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In contrast, a reasonable biblical, Christian theological stance would be that those adults of a sound mind, should be able to study the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Reasons for his terrible death should be considered as should be the theologically related atonement and resurrection, the fall, human sin, and salvation for those that are regenerated (Titus 3) and accept the gospel. Theology of an eventual restored creation (Revelation) should be studied.

Titus 3

English Standard Version

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

BBC News October 2 2018

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Union officer Sara Khan said traditional clapping can cause issues for students with autism, sensory issues or deafness. But the move was criticised by some who accused students of being "pampered". Under the new measures, BSL clapping will be used at student events such as debates, panels and talks. Student groups and societies will also be encouraged to move away from audible clapping.