University cheerleaders on probation for wearing sombreros

A CHEERLEADING squad has been put on probation by the University of Birmingham over plans for a Mexican-themed tour – using banned sombreros.

Some members of the Birmingham Pussycats were also accused of using the n-word while singing to Kanye West’s chart-topping hit Gold Digger. The current UK national champions have now reportedly been placed on probation by the university over claims of ‘unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour’.

Sombreros are among fancy dress costumes banned on campus under rules designed to prevent ‘cultural appropriation’ – taking traditional dress of an ethnic group or nation and repackaging it out of context.

According to student news site Tab, requests for the Mexican theme tour to be changed due to its ‘racial insensitivity’ were ignored by the group.

Some members of the Birmingham Pussycats have also been accused of singing the n-word from Gold Digger at an event. The team has now reportedly been placed on a year long probation and urged to take action – including the appointment of a diversity officer.

If the terms of the probation is broken, it is understood sanctions could include being excluded from official university events, the cancellation of training facilities and removal of university grants.

In a statement, the University of Birmingham said it was “aware of reports of some unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour among a small group of students. We take equality, diversity and inclusion very seriously, and we have already put in place a number of measures to address any inappropriate behaviour and further educate those involved through dedicated training and awareness-raising activities and will continue to do so.”

Guild of Students sports officer, Helena Bailey said: “‘I am disappointed to hear of racial incidents reportedly taking place within the University of Birmingham cheerleading squad.

“The Guild of Students stands strongly against all racist discrimina- tory behaviour. Both the Guild and the University have a strict no-tolerance policy against any form of discrimination and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community for all.

“We understand the cheerleading squad has been placed on a yearlong probation by UB Sport and we welcome further steps, including a club-wide racial awareness course and the election of a Diversity Officer to the clubs committee.”

No-one from Birmingham Pussycats was available for comment.