Whenever anyone mentions Morehouse College I instantly think of its most famous alum, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I imagine a college campus filled with intelligent, ambitious, over-achieving brothas just waiting for their chance to change the world, students who want to make a difference in the Black community and beyond, proud Black men who refuse to be a statistic or a stereotype.
So imagine my surprise when, as I watched a news story about Morehouse, I saw students walking on campus in do-rags, flip-flops, and sagging pants. Was this Morehouse College, producer of two Rhodes Scholars and five Fulbright Scholars? The same Morehouse that gave us actor Samuel L. Jackson, director Spike Lee, and Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses, among others? The story I was watching on CNN was about Morehouse’s decision to implement a campus-wide dress code. My only question after viewing footage of some of the students was – what took so long?
The decision by Dr. Robert Franklin, Morehouse president, and the school’s administration has naturally been greeted with mixed reaction. Some of the students approve while others – not so much. Some who opposed complained about their “rights” and not being able to “express themselves.” One young man said that certain styles of clothing are a part of Black culture.
Interesting arguments, to be sure. But not only are they baseless and ridiculous, they are also irrelevant.
First of all, nowhere in the constitution does it say one has the right to attend an historically Black , privately funded, all-male institution of higher learning while baring one’s boxer-covered butt-cheeks to the public. (I looked – it aint in there.) Anyone traversing the storied campus of Morehouse is there because of a desire to be a part of its incredible reputation and (most importantly) because Morehouse accepted the applicant. No one is forced to attend Morehouse. No one is entitled to attend Morehouse. If one wants to matriculate at a thugalicioius university, apply to P. Diddy Tech.
Secondly, freedom of expression is indeed an important facet of American life, particularly on a college campus. But what exactly is a student trying to say while wearing a t-shirt and ripped jeans to class? Does it mean “I just rolled out of bed and don’t really give a damn about Linear Algebra”? Does it mean “Government 101 is as important to me as drinking a 40 oz. on the corner with my crazy cousin Larry”? What message does a do-rag send? Gold grills? Badly applied lipstick that clashes with a mustache? What is the message?
Well, it seems the administrators at Morehouse have decided to express themselves as well, and their message is clear: Respect yourselves and the institution you have chosen to attend. Respect those that came before you. Know that everything you do, every move you make as a student not only reflects your values but those of Morehouse as well. Know those values and embrace them…or get to steppin’.
Third, one could say that do-rags, sagging pants, and cross dressing men who live in Atlanta are all parts of Black culture. But guess what? So are three piece suits. Dressing appropriately, being articulate, and having ambition are not qualities that are exclusive to one culture. Why should a college campus succumb to parts of our culture that are arguably less positive?
Finally, all arguments in opposition to the Morehouse dress code are moot. Like Hampton University, which also has a dress code for its students, Morehouse is a private institution. Not being dependent upon state funds has its advantages and my guess is that Morehouse alumni contributions may increase slightly after this.
I, for one, applaud the decision by Morehouse to demand, and expect, more out of its students. I hope all HBCUs will look into establishing a dress code for their campuses.
Maybe we should ALL be Morehouse men.
I applaud you and strongly support the contents of your article, “Dressing Like a Morehouse Man.” As an “old school” graduate of an HBCU, I’m surprised that Morehouse men would succumb to such a lowly state of mind. Each time I visit my Alma Mater, I am sickened by the lack of an appropriate dress code seemingly condoned by my beloved Alma Mater, an insitution that encourages me to hire, or help network, graduating alumnae.
I really appreciate your opinion. The arguments against the dress code were indeed interesting and you put it everything in perspective with this posting. I am all for a dress code Morehouse becuase I believe education should remain the core focus of why those young men are there. Life serves enough distractions, they dont need more distractions by way of fellow classmates dressed in urban wear or women’s wear.
I totally agree with the newsletter and its content. I am in the process of trying to get a copy of Morehouse’s dress code because I want to share it with the administration at my Alma Mater. We need all HBCU’s to do the same. We wear enough negative labels now and young people have to come to grips with the importance of pride, integrity and and approriateness.
A little torn by this posting….while I agree that Morehouse is both private and not bound by constitutionally guaranteed rights to expression; I don’t know that a dress code is relevant. What exactly is appropriate dress for undergraduate study? Are all students their interested in pursuing careers in the corporate world? How many will be in the creative arenas where dress is less about being ‘corporate’? What’s more, in an institution of higher learning, what messages are being sent about idealogical, intellectual, or cultural diversity, if the student body must adhere to a dress code? Would Sarah Lawrence, Wellesley, whom all have an equally esteemed reputation and distinguished alumnae insist students follow such a code? I understand the intention, just find it misguided…just my opinion [Ivy League grad - baggy jeans patron...lol]
I totally agree with this writer. As an educator, I try to instill to my young black students that we must get in the mindset of going “over and beyond”. We have to come to the realization that part of being successful in life, is being able to adapt to any situation and be able to get along with all kinds. How can this happen if we are judged by first impressions? Yes, appearance is an important lesson. Educational institutions have the responsibility of teaching. And yes, this is one lesson that must be taught somewhere!
@ Kendall – I think you make an excellent point that perhaps not all students are pursuing careers in the corporate world. But I don’t think the dress code requires them to wear suits everyday. I was able to find part of the Morehouse dress code online:
1. No caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.
2. Sun glasses or “shades” are not to be worn in class or at formal programs, unless medical documentation is provided to support use.
3. Decorative orthodontic appliances (e.g. “grillz”) be they permanent or removable, shall not be worn on the campus or at College-sponsored events.
4. Jeans at major programs such as, Opening Convocation, Commencement, Founder’s Day or other programs dictating professional, business casual attire, semi-formal or formal attire.
5. Clothing with derogatory, offense and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.
6. Top and bottom coverings should be worn at all times. No bare feet in public venues.
7. No sagging–the wearing of one’s pants or shorts low enough to reveal undergarments or secondary layers of clothing.
8. Pajamas, shall not be worn while in public or in common areas of the College.
9. No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.
10. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities that are sponsored or organized by the College (e.g. athletic teams, the band, Glee Club, etc).
11. The college reserves the right to modify this policy as deemed appropriate.
The dress code is really not that strict. Some of them, like no shades in the classroom or no bare feet, are pretty common practices (or SHOULD be).