Hampton University's school of business did it first. Now Morehouse College has done it, too. And, perhaps, colleges and universities across the country ought to follow suit. Both of these prestigious and historical colleges have implemented dress codes. I hear the tongues wagging already. Why do college students need a dress code, you may say? College students are, in every sense, preparing themselves to enter the professional world. Not only in the classroom, but via specially designed events, lectures and other college-oriented affairs --college students are being prepped and groomed by university faculty and officials to take on leadership roles in the business, community and social arenas.
Morehouse's dress code policy details 11 expectations of students, including:
* no caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues
* no sun glasses worn in class or at formal programs
* no jeans at major programs, as well as no sagging pants on campus
* no clothing with derogatory or lewd messages either in words or pictures
Students that violate the new rules risk academic suspension.
These restrictions are perfectly logical. I think a dress code is entirely appropriate, especially after watching college students for nearly a decade going to class and other functions dressed as if they are going to a night club, or worse dressed like ladies of the evening. There is no place on the college campus for breasts hanging out, drawers showing or clothes so tight that little is left to the imagination.
College officials have been debating the dress mores of diverse generations for decades. On one hand, we feel we shouldn't suppress students' right to freedom of expression in their dress . . . After all, students are citizens of the U.S. and they have a right to dress like they want. On the other hand, we are responsible for making sure that students receive high-quality academic instruction and that they are prepared for the professional world. Wall Street dress codes will not tolerate sagging pants, sun shades in the board room, graphic t-shirts, micro-minis, etc. As a matter of fact, many careers in the public sector won't tolerate this kind of dress either.
I remember having this same argument with my mother and fellow students when I decided to start wearing an Afro hair style. My mother said I was lazy and a fellow student told me that an Afro was not appropriate for church. Needless to say, I didn't listen to either of them. I still have issues with Hampton U's "no braids or locks" policy. But I understand what officials are trying convey to their students.
The professional world is no joke. Employers care about the bottom line -- not one's personal freedom of expression. The professional world is not a place where your personal expressions in your dress and hair style will be tolerated. I have experienced personal persecution because of my hair style choice, but I am not just starting a career. College students need to understand that corporate America will judge you by the way you look. I know it's unfair, but that's just how it is.
A note to my big-boned sistahs: Just because the manufacturer makes that cute little, short-sleeved dress in your size, does not mean you need to buy it for your wardrobe. My brothers: Belting your pants below your buttocks puts you in mortal danger, if the need arises where you have to run for your life. Take pride in who you are. Dress for the part you want in life.
Parents: Talk to your students. They need your guidance. In the words of Julia Roberts in the film Notting Hill, "This is important stuff." Many a career has been made by making a choice to invest in a really nice suit. Conversely, many a career has been broken over a bad choice in an outfit or when to dance (or not dance) at a corporate social function.
Students: College is a learning experience. Listen to your elders. They are not trying to control you. They are trying to school you in the ways of the world.
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