A university has banned students from wearing sombreros as fancy dress - because some people might find it racist.
University of Sheffield said that security staff would challenge any culturally insensitive costumes worn over Halloween, including sombreros and other types of “cultural appropriation”.
Posters have been put up on campus to inform students of the change, according to The Tab student news website.
The new guidelines state that some dress-up outfits are now outlawed - including any wide-brimmed 'Mexican' hats and colourful scarves, reports the Mirror .
One of the posters states: "My culture is not your costume" while another reads: "My disability, impairment, condition or illness is not your costume."
The students' union's women's officer Rosa Tully said: "We have produced these posters reminding you this Halloween to consider whether your costume mocks or demeans another person's race, culture or disability."
Backlash
However the move has seen an immediate backlash from students, who reacted with a mixture of fury and amusement.
Alex Garcia wrote on Facebook: "As a Mexican I can legit say f*** this s***."
Memo Maldonado agreed, saying: "Same. We actually love seeing ppl with em [sombreros]."
Another student said: "Will leprechaun hats [be banned] on St Patrick's day?"
The announcement follows advice issued by the National Union of Students (NUS), challenging insulting costumes.
The NUS said: "This Halloween we want everyone to check and double-check their costume to avoid the exploitation and degradation of others.
"Don't let Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Transphobia and Ableism be the real Horror this Halloween."
Just last week a fancy dress store in the centre of Sheffield, South Yorkshire came under fire after it was found to be selling a Nazi 'Gestapo Officer' costume.
In response, the Holocaust Educational Trust said: "I cannot see any scenario where 'dressing up' as a Nazi is an appropriate choice for fancy dress.
"I sincerely hope the shop reconsiders and removes such an offensive item."
