Oxford University student banned from social events for dressing up as Ku Klux Klan member

The Christ Church College student wore a pillowcase with slits for eyes and claimed it was a “satirical” response to the parties theme.

The student involved told student newspaper Cherwell: “I arrived at the bop dressed in a jumper and jeans with a sign reading ‘Middle America’, and wearing a pillowcase resembling KKK regalia.

“The costume was intended as a satirical response to the theme ‘2016’.

“It was meant as a comment on Donald Trump’s possible connections to KKK members, after the US election.

“I did not intend to offend anyone and removed the costume within two minutes of arriving after realising the inappropriateness of it.”

Junior censor at the college, Brian Young said in an email to students that “an offensive item of clothing was worn at a college bop”.

He added: “We wish to affirm in the strongest possible terms that Christ Church is firmly committed to equality, diversity, and respect, and we absolutely will not accept any breaches of such toleration.

“Anyone who causes offence by disregarding these commitments is subject to strict college discipline.”

Dean of Christ Church, the Rev Prof Martyn Percy, said the student’s behaviour was “completely unacceptable”.

He added: “The junior member concerned will not be attending JCR social events until further notice, and will be writing a formal note of apology.”

A student at the college, who did not want to be named, said: “Numerous students put forth the complaint.

“I think the reason why it took so long is down to Christ Church’s reluctance to deal with controversy, they would much rather push things under the rug.

“And they have a track record of just leaving things rather than standing up and doing something.

“Also I think the atmosphere at Christ Church facilitates that sort of behaviour, in that it’s an environment where anyone thinks they can say or do anything because of ‘free speech’ and shock value.”