If you are attending orientation week at Western University next month you may want to leave your fake dreadlocks and traditional native headdresses at home.

In the past student leaders have made a habit out of wearing headdresses, fake dreadlocks and other costumes so they would be more visible during orientation week events but this year the committee that organizes the week of activities for first-year students has introduced a stricter dress code that will put an end to the tradition.

According to Orientation Week Co-Chair Taryn Scripnick, the decision was made following a number of student complaints expressing concern that the practice could be viewed as culturally insensitive.

The items that will now be banned during orientation week include native headdresses, fake dreadlocks, and bandanas that cover the face.

“We have had a bit of a pushback from some individuals who believe we are taking away a tradition but when you are taking an item with such cultural significance to it and using it as a costume I think it’s a problem,” Scripnick told CP24. “Orientation week is supposed to be about helping students transition and feel welcome and if there is a first-year who is not comfortable with some of these items we need to make sure we are addressing that.”

Scripnick said that orientation week organizers have already been in contact with student leaders to inform them about the new policy and are confident that it will be followed.

The hope, Scripnick said, is that Western University will emerge as an example for other schools, encouraging them to take similar action.

“I know a number of festivals throughout the world have been banning some of these cultural items, so I am hoping that Western can kind of be an example,” she said.

Orientation Week at Western University gets underway on Sept. 6.

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