Queen’s urged to explain Remembrance collarette ban

Young Unionist chairman Jay Basra has called on Queen’s University Belfast to explain why the Order of Service for its Remembrance Sunday service on 8 November states that Orange collarettes are not to be worn. He says members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 have worn their collarettes at previous services without issue.

Jay Basra said:

“The Order of Service for this year’s Remembrance Sunday service at Queen’s University Belfast explicitly states that ‘collarettes are not to be worn’. This was not the case in previous years.

“This is despite members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 having freely worn their collarettes at previous services of remembrance without issue.

“I find this a deeply disappointing step backwards for inclusion and respect at Queen’s University Belfast. What has been perfectly acceptable for years has now seemingly become a problem, and I believe the University owes those affected an explanation, particularly as they appear to be the only group facing restrictions on what they wear.

“Queen’s frequently prides itself on being an inclusive institution, welcoming and representing people from all backgrounds and traditions. Yet preventing members of the Orange Institution from wearing their collarettes while participating in a service of remembrance raises serious questions about how far that commitment to inclusion extends.

“Remembrance should be an occasion that brings people together, irrespective of their background or tradition. There is no reason why members of the Orange Institution should be made to feel that their identity or traditions are unwelcome.

“This decision only reinforces the perception among some unionist students that Queen’s remains a cold house for their community. I would urge the University to reconsider this restriction and explain why a practice permitted for years is suddenly deemed unacceptable.

“I look forward to clarification from Queen’s University on the reasoning behind this decision, and to seeing this unnecessary restriction lifted.”