Do clothes make the Morehouse man? No more pumps on campus.
A men’s clothing store used to advertise using the slogan that the “suit makes the man.”
Apparently, that thinking shaped the new dress code policy for Morehouse men.
Is there something about a well dressed man? Morehouse thinks so. In April, then Morehouse senior Tristan Allen, (left) an economics major from Pretoria, South Africa, greeted Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, on campus to deliver a lecture. AJC Photo/Kim Smith
The prestigious historically black men’s college has a new, more rigid dress code, outlined in this AJC story. In explaining it, Dr. William Bynum, vice president of the Office of Student Services, said,
“We expect our young men to be Renaissance men. When people go about campus we want them to represent the college in an appropriate manner.”
“This is necessary, this is needed according to the students,” he said. “We know the challenges that young African-American men face. We know that how a student dresses has nothing to do with what is in their head, but first impressions mean everything.”
Among the expectations in the policy:
* no caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues
* no sunglasses 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
* no wearing of clothing usually worn by women (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at college-sponsored events.
Violators face academic suspension. The story says most students are supportive and cites a student leader:
Cameron Thomas-Shah, the student government co-chief of staff, is one of them. While working as a resident’s assistant (RA) he said he noticed freshmen dressed in a way that was unflattering to Morehouse.
“The image of a strong black man needs to be upheld,” he said. “And if anyone sees this policy as something that is restrictive then maybe Morehouse is not the place for you.”
I thought the ban on jeans would be the most unpopular aspect of the policy, but the news story says it’s the restriction on women’s clothing that has many students up in arms.
I am not a fan of dress codes only because there doesn’t seem to be any link to improved academics. However, I have no doubt that a campus – or a workplace — looks more professional when kids dress up a bit.
I just wonder about the enforcement aspects of telling 20-year-olds how to dress.
What do you think?
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133 comments Add your comment
Morehouse Alum '07
October 19th, 2009
8:09 am
You guys are idiots. This new dress code policy is actually an embarrassment to the college and the students. There is no other school public or private that would dare to think of telling an ADULT what to wear in college. I’m just glad that I got out of that school when I did. Also my son won’t be going there. Morehouse just reached a new low in my book.
MzCaliAttorney
October 19th, 2009
9:38 am
Beautiful Creole Sista,
I was born and raised in California, but my parents are “southern”…New Orleans and I am also a “beautiful Creole sista”…my brother is gay, I have gay friends but being gay and a large population of African-American men dressing like woman, getting plastic surgery to be enhanced like a woman is a different category & it’s disturbing! I have always loved Atlanta, but it has gone downhill because of a lack of professionalism, lack of respect & dignity, oddities and pure nastiness (not only related to this subject nor group of people)…Do you really wonder why tourism has declined? Why applicant pools at colleges is sub-par? What other city in this country has young men and boys dressing like women regularly? Getting plastic surgery enhancements like women regularly? Weaves like women, acrylic fingernails like women? Make-up like women, etc.? Are you implying that this behavior is normal? Yes there are gay men and women around the world and I respect that, but here in Atlanta, I will say again it is like the twilight zone, something is terribly wrong, because of abnormal behavior some men are ashamed to be associated with Morehouse…are you saying there is nothing wrong with this picture?? I am saying that this issue is bigger than Morehouse, just go to Atlantic Station or Lenox from teenagers to grown men, small, short and tall you will see several “men” carrying purses and wearing women’s clothing, young boys, teenagers…it’s disturbing…at least to me.
MzCaliAttorney
October 19th, 2009
9:42 am
…Morehouse and there credits not being accepted at other institutions of higher learning and thereby not allowing students to transfer credit is also an issue and should be investigated, hopefully this dialog with assist in getting this city, it’s distinguished communities, Colleges & Universities back on track…but I stand by my statement at this point I would send my dog to Morehouse.
AP
October 19th, 2009
11:44 am
(To JustSaying) BTW…Spelman is not Morehouse’s sister school. Bennett College is.
On another note…Follow the dress code or don’t apply there. There are thousands of other institutions you can attend and wear whatever you want to. As a Spelman alumnae, the daughter of a Morehouse alum, and girlfriend of a Morehouse alum, I think we need to look at the bigger picture. It’s a dress code for while you are in class or at school-sponsored events. Outside of campus…they can’t control what you wear…As a man, would you go to your corporate job in heels? further more, do you really think you will get hired if you show up…as a man, in heels and a dress for a corporate interview? I very highly doubt it. Minorities don’t set the standard…we all should know that by now, so why make it harder on yourself? You have to follow the rules in corporate America, which college is preparing you for, so be thankful that this institution is trying to provide you with the tools to be successful in life.
Be who you are outside of the workplace or an instituion of higher education…nobody cares…but there is a time for proper dress and standards…showing up in class in heels is a distraction…nobody wants to see that…but if you want to go to Bulldogs after class in your heels so be it…Thank you Morehouse Administration and all you other WHINERS need to get over it…It’s not all about you!
Carter
October 19th, 2009
1:18 pm
Good for The HOUSE!!!! I wish the entire AU Center would take on this dress code. The men at Morehouse should have to wear their jackets to shirt and tie to class everyday . In the hot months they should have shorts and shirt and tie uniform. NO WHITE T”s and NO SAGGIN PANTS.
LP
October 19th, 2009
1:31 pm
Kudos to Morehouse Administration!!! At least know I can advise my son to take a closer look at Morehouse while he is College hunting. Dr. Martin Luther King would be proud
Thank you!!
Primal
October 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
I applaud Morehouse. I attend the University of North Texas. One day as I looked around campus, it seemed that the youth have lost there minds. They are no longer governed by a sent of self respect and decency. Most dressed for class as though they were going across the hall in the dorm (house shoes, rags on the head, pants that sag down to the thigh, etc.) Students used to “feel” and express through their dress, a sense of pride in having the privilege of attending a place of Higher Education. Now, they act like it is as common as taking the trash to the curb. I think UNT needs a dress code since most of the students lack the common sense to do so on their own.
Allen
October 19th, 2009
5:56 pm
As a gay black male, I TOTALLY AGREE with Morehouse’s dress code policy. There’s a place and time for everything. Education is important, and it’s important for our black men to get prepared for the real world. If you don’t agree with the policy do not go there. I went to an HBCU and very proud of it too. It’s time for people to act like adults and represent Morehouse in the correct way!!
Paine college student
October 20th, 2009
9:34 am
I think this is one of the best things that MoreHouse College could have came up with.
Jeff Mallory
October 20th, 2009
10:59 am
I teach at a public community college south of Atlanta. I am deeply concerned about the disregard for standards of civilized behavior some of our students display through butts exposed for all the world to see. When I see this sort of barbarity, I feel just about the way I would if someone were to throw up on me intentionally. Some will say I am too sensitive. Others, I think, will tell you that sensitivity (aka sophistication, refinement), especially as it is directed toward others, is the hallmark of of education. How can a college or university remain true to its calling if, academically or otherwise, it neglects to promulgate — even to demand — civilized restraint? Thank you, Men of Morehouse, for leading the way here and now as you have before.
Morehouse Alum '07
October 20th, 2009
11:11 am
So the hell what if alumni, grad school, company recruiters, or who ever shows up on campus and see the students be themselves, and theres nothing wrong with Morehouse being represented by a diverse group of people.
The issue is the same as its always been for the older generation looking at the new. They dont like what they see mainly because they dont get it. Think about it this way. In the 70’s older people had issues with bell bottoms, dashikis and people wearing afro picks in their hair. They didnt set a ban on those and yes its the exact same thing. I remember when sagging became popular when i was a kid i didnt get it then and I still dont get it, but I also dont why would any one wear a bow tie, clowns wear bow ties and they didnt ban those.
One last thing and Im calling it quits on this issue. About representing Morehouse and what not. We (as black people and Morehouse group) are too concerned with an outside image. Growing up at home and thought my college career its been the same thing. Trying to force me to assimilate to white culture out of fear of not getting a decent job. Cut your hair this way, talk this way, act this way, all so you can get a good job and that theres no other way to do it. Its ridiculous, you’re not creating a leader youre just creating another corporate yes man. Something that I think has become part of the “Morehouse Mystic”.
My deal is that I don’t want to be anywhere or be a part of something where I can’t be myself. I know that its possible to get a job with dreads, not have to be careful about every little thing you say and do, and get paid well for it. I’ve done and I’m doing it now. The appearance of a man could stop him from getting a job if he came in wearing sagging pant or a dress, but that doesnt guarantee that they will get the job if they dont. I think they should have focused more on the inside rather than setting the pace with outward appearance……. you can put a fool in a suit but in the end thats all you got….. a fool in a suit.
Parent
October 20th, 2009
12:26 pm
Jeff Mallory – I totally agree. You can call me sensitive too.
DeKalb Conservative
October 20th, 2009
3:12 pm
This is a joke right? I can’t believe that much common sense being dictated into a what is considered a pretigious 4-year institution.
In fairness to the students, I have seen more students of Morehouse, in particular men, present themselves esceptional in public than I have of men from UGA, or GA Tech. I can cite many observed examples of stylish 20-something men dressed very professional.
While some 20-something Morehouse men may dress exceptional that doesn’t skirt around the issue here that common sense is being pushed by force (risk of suspension).
I think the college is getting ahead of itself. If I had to suggest one mandatory dress code change for men and women for the 2009-2010 academic year, it would be bullet proof vests. Having students keep them jeans on the shelves, in order to walk around in slacks isn’t going to stop the unacceptable violent crime in that area towards students.
DeKalb Conservative
October 20th, 2009
3:32 pm
@ Morehouse Alum ‘07
I think this student gets it and I respect the candor around forcing assimilation.
The scenarios presented in the 70’s is perfect. The people of today that ‘have the power,’ of multiple races, might very well have worn bell bottoms in the 1970’s and without assimilation likely risk being rejected from corporate culture. Those that lived this in the 1970’s are the leaders of today.
To any man that thinks corporate culture cares about his individuality, he is a fool that has been brain washed. Show up in a corporate culture wearing sagging pants, or a do-rag and you just committed corporate suicide. There is a thick glass ceiling for any man that is unable to assimilate.
Present yourself professionally (previously I’ve said the professionally dressed standouts in the community of Morehouse men greatly beat UGA and GA Tech) and come to a corporate environment with good ideas and you’ll be greeted with open arms.
Assimilation means labeling yourself as a professional, not a black-professional, white-professional, female-professional, etc. The corporate environment tends to be a conservative environment in regards to cultural rules. Don’t like it? Don’t want to assimilate? Don’t submit your resume then, because one the other people gunning for that job will be willing to assimilate to corporate culture. Perhaps that person is one of the professionally dressed 20-somethings from Morehouse.
Morehouse Alum 98 (Harold)
October 20th, 2009
3:36 pm
Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays would be turning over in his grave if he heard about this!!!!!!! I would have never imagined that I would live to hear or see a man who desires to dress like a women at Morehouse College!! What is this world coming to??? This new age of men dressing as women on Morehouse campus and in the classroom is truly embarassing and portrays a negative image on Morehouse. What image does this portray to companies that come to Morehouse looking to recruit students for employment after graduation? It is shameful that Morehouse College has to place a dress code that enforces men not to wear short skirts and high heels!
DeKalb Conservative
October 20th, 2009
3:43 pm
@ Harold
I don’t think this is going to change public opinion too much. My current view of public opinion is that Morehouse attracts a certain student that shares certain viewpoints and wants to be educated in a certain environment.
While this might look poorly on the whole of the average student graduating. The student that graduates and portrays himself professionally will likely be seen as even more valuable because presenting himself in that way would have gone against the grain and the norms of the school.
Personally I’d like other schools to follow suit. How great would it be to never see a dopey white frat guy w/ Ray Ban sunglasses on backwards with a dumb elastic band on the sun glasses.
jmn
October 20th, 2009
7:47 pm
A man who has on a suit can be just as dumb as a man sagging his jeans can be just as smart go figure!
Major Pain
October 20th, 2009
10:58 pm
I am so glad that Morehouse is taking a stand on the issue. Hampton University has similar policy and it is very efffective. This issue is not silly. HBCUs have always functioned since their inception to prepare its students for the “real world”. The intent and spirit of the policy are good and are needed. An institution shouldnt have to tell a grown man how to pull his pants up and look presentable in public but undoubtedly students cant police themselves hence the policy. Kudos to the Morehouse administrators.
Major Pain
October 20th, 2009
11:08 pm
Morehouse Alum 07,
You need to check your facts before you make a statement about colleges not imposing dress codes. HBCUs have always had dress codes. Hampton University is just one example. If people acted like adults and dressed like adults then this policy wouldnt have been put in place. Its all about pride and standards. Morehouse is a great institution with an illiustrious history. As an HBCU graduate and a career military officer I applaud their decision.
If you dress like a loser then poeple will treat you like you are a loser. You never have a second chance to make a first impression on someone. How can you get a decent job or a loan to start a business when your underwear is showing. Would you hire a man that walks around in pumps? Just food for thought.
Major Pain
October 20th, 2009
11:21 pm
Jazzy,
You need to get a grip on reality, my brother. What you say briefs well but how about putting it into practice. When we as blacks control most of main stream American business then we can have an attitude of wearing and acting like we want but until then we have to “fit in”. This does not mean that we lose our identity as a people but that we conform to acceptable and established standards of dress and behavior. This is a fact. I dare you to prove me wrong.
Major Pain
October 20th, 2009
11:30 pm
MzCaliAttorney,
I think that I am tracking what you are saying but Morehouse is taking a step in the right direction to fix the issues you mentioned. You cannot start a fire without first making some sparks. You have to role model the desired behavior so that it will stand as an example of excellence then you can go forth and make more sweeping changes in the community. This whole issue can be fixed at home by parents. Morehouse is not a racist, sexist or homophobic institution, they just want their students to look decently and represent themselves with pride.
This is not a new phenomenon for HBCUs. Educating students, making them socially responsible citizens and preparing those students for the challenges of the real world is the historic mission of HBCUs. I dont see why others are so worked up about this decision.
Morehouse is a great institution and if I had sons, I would definitely encourage them to matriculate there.
Morehouse College dress code. Let's talk about it. | affrodite.net
October 21st, 2009
7:11 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution: Blogs- Do clothes make the Morehouse man? No more pumps on campus. [...]
Leona
October 21st, 2009
10:04 am
If they are going to a college like Morehead, why would they not want to make the best impression possible. I wish all our undergrad schools had better dress codes or uniforms. Uniforms take away the problem of comparing student clothing instead of the students themselves. My daughter went to a Catholic school. (we are not catholic) It was so much less expensive to dress her in uniforms than to try to buy the brand name clothing that other students would be wearing and bragging about. Not all parents can afford all name brand clothing. It was a wonderful experience for her and there was never an argument about what she was going to wear to school the next day. Good job, Morehead!
CommonSenseRules
October 21st, 2009
10:57 am
With all due respect to Ms Downey, the “enforcement aspects” of how 20 year-olds are expected to behave or dress are not difficult to comprehend. They do it at work, on sports teams, at social clubs… . What’s difficult to comprehend is how our society has disintegrated to the extent that a prestigious, private institution — or a public one for that matter — cannot set the standards/bar for participants in the institution/organization. One of the lessons that students in such situations are given the opportunity to learn is that “freedom” is not synonymous with “license”, and that if you wish to participate in THIS place, then, here are the requirements and expectations. If a prospective or current student believes that they are unable to comply, then they should graciously be given the “freedom” to go elsewhere.
Three cheers for Dr. Robert Franklin! Finally, finally, finally a responsible adult steps up to the “manhood” plate.
CommonSenseRules
October 21st, 2009
12:52 pm
To JR, the 21 year-old who doesn’t need someone to tell him [what to do, period!] what to put on your back. You may find the new policy at Morehouse laughable, but at least three things obtain:
1) you are not there;
2) those who comply will laugh their way all the way into graduate school– which is the only purpose of getting a bachelor’s degree, anyway;
3) if you keep living long enough, you will find that you are not too old to be told a whole LOT of what you can and cannot do — what you put on your back will be least of it! Good luck, ’cause you are certainly going to need it.
WanzaTurner
October 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
First, Morehouse College is a place for academic excellence, its NOT a fashion show runway, you don’t believe me just ask the United States Department of Education. Second, Morehouse College has educated some of our greatest Black social leaders like Dr. Mays, Dr. King, Rev. Steele, and others. Third, Morehouse College is located within the US borders, known as the land of the free and of the brave; if you do not accept nor like Morehouse College’s dress code, do not apply for enrollment at Morehouse College. Lastly, if you are a Morehouse Man; I stress the word “Man” because Morehouse is a male-only college, dress the part ON campus.
Wanza
October 22nd, 2009
10:41 am
First, Morehouse College is a place of academic excellence not a fashion show runway, do not believe me, just ask the US Department of Education. Second, Morehouse College is located within the US borders, the US that was found on the premises of freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of limited speech BUT how and where you choose to practice those freedoms can limited and/or restricted like on the campus of Morehouse College. You can not “hide” behind the US Constitution each and every time someone or some entity is restricting certain conduct, action, behavior, and style of dress; that they have deemed as being unethical or unacceptable or immoral. You do not like nor do you accept Morehouse College’s dress code then you do not apply for admissions at Morehouse College, it is very simple. Men who attend Morehouse College like dressing in garments that is usually worn by women, Morehouse College is not violating your Constitutional Rights because in that document{Constitution} the words “men who dress in women’s garments are protected” are not there…no where in that text. Read it for yourself.
Lastly, for the individuals who found Morehouse College’s dress code discrimatory, get a Constitutional Law textbook and read it then re-apply at another college or better yet start your own college. None of you are protesting the high gasoline prices, high unemployment, and the fact that three healthcare insurance companies control over 92% of America’s healthcare policies.
joseph mitchell, '69
October 22nd, 2009
6:10 pm
the dress code is a matter of decorum and focus. A twenty-year old at Morehouse who has trouble with the code may need to transfer out before he has to meet another standard imposed upon him by the College’s expectations.
joseph mitchell, '69
October 22nd, 2009
7:16 pm
Well. Morehouse can and should do what it believes to be in th ebest interest of the world – not just its immediate student body. And the 21 year-old who believes he’s above the ‘mystic’, well it was there long before he was and really does not rely upon him to continue. Morehouse had and has problems. How it successfully handles them is how it got to be what it is, its problems not withstanding. Making necessary though unpopular decisions is what makes the difference between leadership at Morehouse and leadership at lesser institutions like – Harvard, Yale, etc., etc., ad infinitum.
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October 23rd, 2009
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George
November 3rd, 2009
4:49 pm
I will say this…this is needed. Morehouse image has been tarnished deeply over the past few years with news of violence from its student population. This Morehouse issue is not just an Alum issue, cause I didn’t go there. I went to Clark. But the issues seem to be institutional. The Black Community in general is concerned with the selection of young men morehouse has been selecting. I went to Clark and I would love for my children to go to Clark or Morehouse. But much has changed since I went their in the early 1990’s. I personally do not feel comfortable giving the stewardship of my son’s to these universities until they fix some things on the AUC, this violence is uncomfortable for me as a former student and as a parent. I will say that part of the problem is that it is generational. Young people today are more influence by hood culture than we were coming up…We had hip hop…but they have so many things that permeates their ever day life that they tend to pick up these bad character habits. The issues these OUR universities face or OUR community issues and has much as we are frustrated with these issues, we must help them too. That dress code is a start. Clark, Morehouse, and Spelman are institutions that have done so much for the African Amercian community and for the Country as a whole. We should hold it to a higher standard and the young men who enter these institutions should understand that and act accordingly. If you do not want to do that…then that is not the instituion for you. Period. We have to teach. I remember posting up in the Math Dept at Clark one spring day, with my cap on my head. I was “chillin’
And the head of the Math Dept. Dr. Shabazz look at me. He asked me to come to his office. Now for any of you who remember Dr. Shabazz he was a very regal man. Older gentleman. He sat me down and basically began to tell me that me having my hat on inside the building was not proper etiquette. He explained why. He just didn’t start flashing on me saying “That is what’s wrong with you young people”. I was fresh from California and that aspect of etiquette is something none of us were taught, but today I do not walk inside a structure with my hat on. There are other facets to a man that makes him a success and not solely a degree. The Whole person must be educated with class, manners, etiquette, character and education.
Ja'Nelle
November 3rd, 2009
6:25 pm
BABY I PAY OVER $20,000 A YEAR TO ATTEND THIS INSTITUTION !!!! I CAN WEAR WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT SO THE JIMMY CHOO’S AND ALMA BAGS A HERE TO STAY NOW WATCH ME SAUNTER AND PUMP IT AT THE HOUSE !
Tasha
November 3rd, 2009
6:33 pm
GIRL BOO !!! do you see these comments ! they must not know who we are around campus, we make the grades, we out-do the trade….the spelman girls comes to us to get done up…..morehouse is our playground ! and it costs to be here….GIRL you know we fell out in the auditorium when they was speaking about this and all the trade stood up and was clapping and barking yet they be in our rooms…..OOPS !!!