What do you think about this piece of news that came out last week? Frankly, when I first heard about it, I was on the telephone having a friendly conversation with my son— “Mom, have you heard about Tuskegee University’s new dress code?” I responded, “What?” I became ecstatic! After hearing about this great news, I immediately turned to several television news stations to learn the specifics of this new dress code policy. I believe most of you can certainly understand my excitement knowing the other side of me—June the educator, and I believe that is why my son brought it up—he’s heard my dress code views before.
The policy states that students are not permitted to attend classes in pajama pants, bonnets, du-rags, and wearing bedroom shoes/slippers. Cell phone use is prohibited during lectures and regular class attendance is being heavily enforced and monitored. Dr. Mark A. Brown, President of Tuskegee University called class attendance “the heart of all academic success,” and he is certainly correct. I have seen students walk into classes with a spoon in one hand and a bowl of cereal in the other hand—they’ve entered classrooms with other food items, too. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about based on what I have seen and heard.
Thanks to Tuskegee University for taking a stand, even though the rules may not be in agreement with some due to the fact that the new policy has sparked an intense national debate—especially online. The backlash and criticism are centered around respectability politics versus cultural expression on college campuses—that the rules unfairly target Black protective hairstyles (like bonnets and du-rags) and treat grown adults like children. Critics have also stated that the administration should focus more on critical campus infrastructure, such as housing issues, flooding, and dining availability, rather than student attire.
The supporters and older alumni applauded the new standard stating it as a long-overdue return to traditional HBCU excellence, discipline, and professionalism. Students learning how to project a professional image directly sets them up for corporate success. Students attending professional functions must wear business suits and appropriate footwear. The new rules apply to specific campus areas to prepare students for the workforce. The specific campus areas include classrooms, cafeteria, academic and dining areas, and official university events like Convocation—and I hope guidelines for graduations are soon added.
Hopefully, the dress code will not only extend to the entire college but also to other HBCU colleges and universities. My hat goes out to the entertainer, Monique, who first addressed this problem a few years ago. She asked the question, “Whatever happened to self-respect?” I have had the same thought. “When did young people stop caring about their public appearance?” “What was the cause of not appearing in public properly dressed?” Hopefully, someone will conduct research and discover the answers to these questions and more. In addition, Dr. Brown has requested faculty members to address and correct any policy dress code violations. My thanks to President, Dr. Mark A. Brown for implementing this dress code policy.
I would like to read your thoughts! Feel free to send me a message.
Music often reminds us that our lives are filled with stories worth hearing.
Join me each Sunday on Facebook for SUNDAY MUSIC REFLECTION—Listening to Life Through Music @ June Montgomery-Music
Pause. Listen. Reflect.
/june-montgomery/images/June_Montgomerylogo.png)