Queen’s University Belfast made a Queen's University Belfast sash U-turn on Tuesday, reversing its plan to bar Orange collarettes at its Remembrance Sunday service after discussions with senior management. Phillip Brett said the decision to prohibit the collarettes had been reversed following his direct intervention.
The change matters because the Order of Service for the November 8 service had said collarettes were not to be worn. Collarettes are the V-shaped regalia worn around the neck by members of the Orange Order, and members of the Orange Order linked to Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 had worn their sashes at previous services without issue, according to Jay Basra.
Phillip Brett and Queen’s management
Brett, the DUP MLA, said he welcomed “confirmation from Queen’s University Belfast that the decision to prohibit Orange collarettes at this year’s Remembrance Sunday service has now been reversed, following my direct intervention with senior university management.” He added: “This is the right decision and a welcome victory for common sense.”
He also said it was “deeply disappointing that a practice which had been permitted for many years was suddenly deemed unacceptable.” Brett said the university should explain how the decision was taken, adding: “Lessons must be learned to ensure that such an unnecessary situation does not arise again.”
Royal British Legion guidance
Queen’s had earlier said its dress code was updated after veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces advised that official marching, standing or marshalling attire at remembrance events should follow Royal British Legion guidance on wearing medals. The Royal British Legion handbook says that guidance is for Legion members attending events organised by the RBL and does not apply to the general public.
That gap between the university’s stated reason and the handbook’s scope sits at the centre of the row. Queen’s said it listened to further feedback from a wider range of students and staff before changing course.
Jay Basra at Queen’s
Jay Basra, the Young Unionist chairman, said the original ban was “a deeply disappointing step backwards for inclusion and respect at Queen’s University Belfast.” He said: “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.”
Basra also said the decision “only reinforces the perception among some unionist students that Queen’s remains a cold house for their community.” Queen’s said it lays a wreath at the Institution’s War Memorial and illuminates the Lanyon Building on Remembrance Sunday, and the reversal leaves that service proceeding without the collarette ban in place.
