Male students at top university banned from dressing as girls on pub crawls 'because it is as offensive as blacking-up'
By John Stevens
Last updated at 1:08 AM on 23rd February 2012
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2104747/Exeter-University-bans-male-students-dressing-girls-pub-crawls.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2104747/Exeter-University-bans-male-students-dressing-girls-pub-crawls.html)
It's hardly the most sophisticated or original form of humour.
But squeezing into a dress and applying make-up has long been seen by male undergraduates – especially those in sports teams – as harmless fun.
Until now that is. Apparently transgender people in Devon are likely to be offended by male students dressed as girls on pub crawls.
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Students told cross-dressing is as offensive as blacking up
Students at a leading university have been told not to dress in drag in case it offends transgender people.
By Matthew Holehouse
6:28AM GMT 22 Feb 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9096614/Students-told-cross-dressing-is-as-offensive-as-blacking-up.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9096614/Students-told-cross-dressing-is-as-offensive-as-blacking-up.html)
Student leaders at Exeter University warned that cross-dressing could be deemed as offensive as 'blacking up'.
Squeezing into dresses and attempting to apply make-up has long been a popular means by which some male undergraduates, particularly members of sports teams, unwind and bond.
But a message sent by the university's Student Guild ahead of a week of events to celebrate diversity on campus warned the practice could be deemed insulting to 'gender-queer' students.
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How cross-dressing is an essential part of student rag week
Students at Exeter University have been told cross-dressing is offensive to transgender people - but history shows drag has been a part of student revelry for more than a century.
By Matthew Holehouse
6:26AM GMT 22 Feb 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9096488/How-cross-dressing-is-an-essential-part-of-student-rag-week.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9096488/How-cross-dressing-is-an-essential-part-of-student-rag-week.html)
Rag week has been a highlight of undergraduates' calendars for more than a century.
Every year students compete in bed races, organise balls and launch street collections to raise funds for good causes.
Its origins lie in the fierce rivalry between London's King's College and University College – and cross-dressing was an essential component.