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?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
133 comments Add your comment
TW
October 16th, 2009
9:42 am
Yes, ‘prestige’ is a good thing. I applaud their efforts.
JR
October 16th, 2009
10:15 am
I am a student. I am 21 years old. I don’t need anyone to tell me what I can and cannot put on my back when i wake up in the morning. I think the policy is laughable and I am eager to see if and how it will be enforced
Parent
October 16th, 2009
10:22 am
Good for Morehouse. If you don’t like it don’t go there.
jim d
October 16th, 2009
10:22 am
Being a private institution they have been able to remain one of the few single gender schools in the country, and a damn good one at that.
JR, I suspect they can set and enforce any dress code they wish. I also suspect the policy will be well enforced.
dd
October 16th, 2009
10:27 am
If you don’t want to follow the rules of Morehouse go somewhere else. Why does the entire school need to change for one or two indivuals? That is what is wrong with our nation we are no longer a majority rule. We now have to just do what the whinny ones want.
Parent
October 16th, 2009
10:51 am
I am tired of teenagers (kids) wanting to do whatever they want and wear whatever they want in the name of freedom. “I need to express myself”. They don’t even know who they are yet. We need more rules not less for teenagers. If more adults would step up and say you don’t need this cell phone, or you can not dress like that, or you need to ……….. We are the adults and we let this generation get away from us.
Johnny Too Good
October 16th, 2009
10:52 am
Amen.
What kinda man wears women’s clothes? Is that professional? Is it cool? Prestigous? Appealing?
and FYI……. Morehouse is a private school, meaning they can make their own rules………….
If you don’t like it, apply elsewhere
Ernest
October 16th, 2009
11:00 am
This seems to be a topic in which most of us agree. If a student ‘chooses’ to apply to and attend Morehouse, they must follow the rules set forth. You don’t like the rules, don’t go there.
From a legal standpoint, would they need to ‘grandfather’ students that are current attendees or does this being a private school allow them to make this change without consideration?
Morehouse Alum
October 16th, 2009
11:04 am
The problem is that sagging jeans, do-rags, and yes, men wearing high heels and pumps has gotten out of hand on campus. It disappoints alumni such as myself walking through campus thinking I’m at a taping of America’s Next Top Model or something. We wore jeans and tees in my day in the late 90s, but those attending the school today have taken it to a new level. The saggy jeans were becoming as much a problem, but high heels man? “Come on, son!”
Its a time and a place for everything, and if thats your choice fine, but as someone who gives faithfully to the school and to scholarships of students attending now, I don’t want to see that. You have the choice to wear what you want. Clark is right around the corner. Take it there. I’m making an investment in the institution that helped me get where I am today (Dean Hudson), quit devaluing my investment.
jim d
October 16th, 2009
11:24 am
Ernest,
They are free to so as they wish.
AO
October 16th, 2009
11:27 am
I think the dress code is a great idea. As a former student of the Atlanta University Center, I have seen the quality of the Morehouse man decline in the past years. I think this dress code will ensure that Morehouse will keep its prestigious name and reputation. Similar to what others have said, if someone has an issue with the policy, they should take their time and money elsewhere.
jim d
October 16th, 2009
11:35 am
As I’ve already stated —”this is a private school”. I would like to point out though that there are publicly funded colleges that not only dictate what clothing will be worn but when it will be worn both on and off campus.
CB
October 16th, 2009
11:43 am
Hold up, am I reading this right?” but the news story says it’s the restriction on women’s clothing that has many students up in arms.” What does it say about an all male college when THAT’S the big issue? If it’s that many so called MALES attending the college that don’t want to be restricted from wearing female clothing, perhaps it’s not the school for me or my friends. I’m just saying LoL. something needs to be clarified about that statement in a hurry.
Fulton Teacher
October 16th, 2009
11:43 am
Note to JR and other students: If you think it is appropriate to wear head gear indoors or jeans to a formal gathering, then you do, indeed, need someone telling you what to wear.
Stop whining about a few rules (especially ones that make sense). Express yourself somewhere else. It’s not like a dress code at your future job will be LESS restrictive.
Maureen Downey
October 16th, 2009
11:50 am
CB. See the post below from Morehouse alum who wrote, “The problem is that sagging jeans, do-rags, and yes, men wearing high heels and pumps has gotten out of hand on campus.”
Johnny Too Good
October 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
I can completely understand the administration’s point of view, the students are an image and representation of the institution
Another Morehouse Alum
October 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
My response to the dress code policy: THANK YOU, GOD. I graduated from Morehouse in the early 1990’s. Morehouse had reasonable rules governing civility and student conduct in those days, but a dress code wasn’t needed because most students governed themselves with a certain sense of appropriateness. Having recently returned to the campus to engage students during orientation week, I can tell you I was surprised and disturbed with the appearance of some students. While the college has always emphasized that a Morehouse Man should always carry himself in a respectful manner, it was clear to myself and my fellow alumni that Morehouse was changing in ways that were unbecoming to its reputation and traditions. Morehouse is a symbol of African American male scholarship and leadership. Anything that diminishes that reputation – be it sagging pants, do-rags, or the wearing of womens clothing – should not be tolerated on campus, at campus events, or during any school sponsored activities. Any man that wishes to attend Morehouse who will not represent himself in such a manner that builds upon the positive reputation and traditions of Morehouse College should find a college environment more hospitable to their lifestyle or be wiling to observe the policies and follow the rules of the private institution that has granted them the opportunity (not the right) to attend. You are free to sag your pants, wear high heels, attend classes in do-rags, wear pajamas to class, and to wear a halter top to the football game at someone else’s college or event, not at Morehouse College. Kudos to the Morehouse administration for finally taking a stand, establishing standards, and holding people accountable in spite of our politically correct environment.
C Grievs 2010
October 16th, 2009
12:42 pm
As a current student at Morehouse College, I applaud Morehouse for instituting this new dress code. No one is saying that a suit is indicative of success. However, I was always taught that your first impression is non-verbal. This new Renaissance movement that Franklin is seeking, has been done so as to revitalize the image of the institution., there i no school uniform. Its a dress code just like any other you will encounter once entering into the professional world. Class of 2010
Lynn
October 16th, 2009
12:43 pm
Ok a Private Institution can enforce a dress code. What’s wrong with dressing for success? Morehouse Men as the World has always known sets the standard for Successful Black Men. Wearing pants sagging, hats in Buildings was never exceptable in the Academic world. Do you all think students at Harvard attend functions without their Jackets or wear sagging jeans to events sponsored by Harvard. You already know the answer. Im glad Morehouse is Standing up. Stand for something or Fall for anything!!
miked
October 16th, 2009
12:45 pm
Morehouse is an all male institution. This means only men attend this school.
Men that dress up as women at an all male school are violating the very nature of this all male concept. Women aren’t allowed at the institute but men pretending to be women are? By the very concept of being all male, if dressing up like a woman is permitted, then you might as well let women that dress like men enroll as well. That in turn pretty much makes the school co-ed, not gender exclusive.
People that are trans-gender shouldn’t apply to an all-male institution. Thats just a curtsying around one of the key tenets which is just disrespectful.
Maureen Downey
October 16th, 2009
12:49 pm
Having attended one Harvard reunion with my alum husband, I don’t think there is any dress code there and students have absolute freedom in what they wear and they act on that freedom. After visiting colleges with my two oldest, I don’t think many of the elite schools impose any real dress rules on their students. Nor do I think students would stand for it at many of those schools.
Maureen
jim d
October 16th, 2009
12:53 pm
VMI—The ciitadel are two that come quickly to mind. I don’t think I’d consider either one shabby. They are both pretty elite
Maureen Downey
October 16th, 2009
12:56 pm
Jim d, OK, I didn’t count military colleges. And I would add all the academies to your list.
Maureen
Another Morehouse Alum
October 16th, 2009
1:01 pm
The comparison between dress codes or lack of dress codes at other schools is irrelevant. Morehouse has traditions and a historical legacy of producing African American male leaders and scholars. Part of that tradition includes “The Mystique” which is a combination of expectations that every Morehouse Man should aspire to achieve. The Mystique is part of the basic construct of Morehouse and is inseparable from Morehouse’s mission and vision. In a sense, it is what separates a man from a “Morehouse Man”. If you don’t want it or believe in it, you should not go to Morehouse in the first place.
jim d
October 16th, 2009
1:13 pm
AMA,
I agree, Morehouse is in the business of developing principled leaders. That being said, they should look and act the part.
neo
October 16th, 2009
1:16 pm
I don’t go to morehouse but I been there…and I believe that there are extremes in everything…..in every generation…you get tired of bieng called “the lost genaration” and so forth evertime style changes….it will pass with time…I don’t know how you enforce a dress code….I guess that there will be less people at these events….its funny how people always think that we as young people will be dumb enough to show up to jobs like we dress in our every day life…and need to be shown how to dress next I guess hair styles like dreads and braids will be looked down on…
Parent
October 16th, 2009
1:19 pm
I couldn’t agree more. You can tell by the student and alum responses to this blog that they hold themselves to a higher standard.
Tonya
October 16th, 2009
1:58 pm
Neo:
You may not, but as someone who has worked in HR I assure you that many of your peers are ‘dumb enough’ to not know how to dress for an interview or employment. Many don’t even understand the importance of the proper attire to complete a job application. I congratulate Morehouse for the higher standards it is setting for its students, because it makes them come to grips with the higher bar that is already set for them in the big wide world.
Maureen, the most successful of K-12 schools in this country are seem to be private ones who have a standard of dress and conduct for their students that is actively enforced. Trust me when i say that isn’t a coincidence.
Do clothes make the Morehouse man? No more pumps on campus. | Get … | Pik-foison
October 16th, 2009
2:00 pm
[...] Do clothes make the Morehouse man? No more pumps on campus. | Get … Category: GeneralTags: advertise-using > code-policy > makes-the-man > shaped-the > shaped-the-new [...]
Oddie Richard
October 16th, 2009
2:16 pm
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your Leadership training of our young Men. It is about time that Morehouse re-establish its Standards and regain its Leadership position. Again, I can say that I am PROUD of our HBCU Institutions.
amberjen
October 16th, 2009
2:40 pm
I am so glad to hear Morehouse has enforced a dress code. Unfortunately, alot of our young folks have lost their way in the name of being different. They don’t understand that being different does not always make you employable and it seems that some parents are failing in teaching there kids principles that will benefit them later, such as dressing appropriately for the occassion. I also work in HR and you can bet that you would not get hired if you came in the office wearing dreads, cornrows and males wearing high heel shoes. There is a time and place for everything, black folks get with the program or you will be part of the problem. Most of us are not the ones employing our own, first impression is the last impression.
They Want Pretension
October 16th, 2009
2:50 pm
What a shame this venerable institution can no longer handle the clothing prerogatives of the modern student. Morehouse isn’t alone as some HBCU’s have even banned braids and dreads. That’s right, we’re not talking men in pumps, but the actually forbidding of traditional African hairstyles!
If these students take this code then they are wimps, there should be protests and vociferous one at that. All of you faux lawyers out there with this “it’s a private institution” as an excuse are not standing on solid legal grounds.
What this issue is about is not some phony “prestige” issue, it is about freedom of speech and how far an institution may infringe upon that right. Unless the institution can show that the prohibited clothing was disruptive of the learning process, then I do not believe the banning is constitutional.
By the way, this “private institution”, depends on public money. Sure there are many well to do alumni, and Oprah seems to love the place, but the fact of the matter is if the access to public student loans and grant money were cut off, the school would be in big trouble and could not survive,at least not as it does today.
I also believe there is a hint of that notorious Morehouse homphobia in this policy too with the reference to “pumps”. Seems to me some of the students are challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality. There are bisexuals and homosexuals a plenty at Morehouse, and that has always been the case. Make an institution all male and there you will find the non heterosexual. The local gay bars, gay gathering places, online forums are all full of “Morehouse Men” students and graduates alike. The old saying that,” Morehouse takes your money and makes you funny” did not arise out of thin air.
What do you want to bet that it will be one of these students, in “pumps” that successfully challenges this “dress code”?
If part of the goal of the policy is to help mold leaders, then this policy is a direct contradiction to that idea. By making the students into little corporate replicas and teaching them to be docile in the face of a challenge from power, the institution is not acting in the student’s best interests. One can dress well and be of poor character, look no further than Wall Street for an example.
Shame on Morehouse for this policy. Shame on the SGA for lack of spine. Shame on any student who does not see, and thus act upon the noxiousness of this policy. It is really all about pretense.
NA
October 16th, 2009
2:53 pm
@ neo—There are schools that do not allow dreads and braids. It is either Hampton or Howard’s Business program.
Tyrell
October 16th, 2009
2:57 pm
I am floored because I am paying over $8,000 a semester and someone wants to dictate what I wear. Times have changed and each generation has their season, this is ours. There are more other concerns to worry about than dress the crime. The way I dress those not impede upon my learning. We are grown individuals! Let me graduate first before you start talking about a job interview!
spunkygirl
October 16th, 2009
3:12 pm
“Back in the day” all HBCU’s had dress codes! Social graces were a requirement as was regular chapel attendance….. BRAVO to Morehouse. If a Morehouse “man” wants to wear halter tops and high heels, perhaps he should enroll in another college. Why enroll at Morehouse? 1) high quality education 2) “The Morehouse Mystic 3) gay and download brothers in abundance…… and the answer is (drum roll) ALL OF THE ABOVE!!
VLG
October 16th, 2009
3:20 pm
MOREHOUSE STUDENTS DEMAND COLLEGE DIVEST FROM IRAN AND SUDAN
(Atlanta, GA) October 8, 2009 – Leaders of Morehouse College’s Student Government Association (SGA) have formally requested of President Robert Franklin that their historic institution withdraw its endowment from companies currently doing business in Iran and Sudan. These student leaders have cited Morehouse’s long-standing traditions of moral leadership and the threats to peace and security posed by Iran and Sudan as the impetus behind their initiative. The name given to their effort is the Vanguard Divestment Initiative (VDI).
Morehouse SGA President Adam McFarland said, “President Franklin always talks about Morehouse Men being ‘renaissance men’ who are socially conscious. Therefore, we as students at Morehouse can’t become leaders on the global scene if we do not become aware and take meaningful action on these types of issues.”
The letter delivered to Morehouse President Robert Franklin was signed by the entire Executive Board of the SGA calls for a targeted divestment from any holdings the school may have in the energy sectors of the Iranian and Sudanese economies. These areas are the primary focus because Iran’s nuclear program and Sudan’s genocidal campaign are funded by the profits from these revenue streams. A passage from the letter reads:
This collective of student leaders supports divestment as the most effective way to safeguard against a nuclear armed Iran and to impede the resources of the Sudanese militia. A joint Sudanese and Iranian divestment campaign at Morehouse will be the preface to a new story about this generation’s moral leadership. Such an initiative is the first of its kind, and Morehouse will once again be at the forefront of change, directly combating stereotypes of apathy and inaction unfairly associated with young African-Americans.
Richard Fulton, another student signatory to the letter, wrote an editorial in the campus newspaper reiterating the call for divestment. Fulton declared, “The VDI was developed in order for the voices and concerns of Morehouse students to have real resonance in the various human rights and national security debates of our time. The genocide in Sudan is evil and Iran’s march toward nuclear weapons poses an immediate threat to global security. World war is a very real possibility if the Iranian regime does not bow to the weight of international condemnation of its rhetoric and actions. As global citizens, these issues merit our highest concern and effort.”
While many in the Morehouse community were initially unaware of these potential investments, one student group was responsible for bringing this issue to the attention of Morehouse students and administration. That organization is Vanguard Leadership Group (VLG). VLG is an honor society and leadership development academy for top students at Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. They have successfully engineered the passage of similar Iranian/Sudanese divestment efforts in the city of Atlanta, DeKalb County and they also have one pending before the Fulton County Commission. Vanguard Leadership Group was founded by Darius Jones.
Notable student signatories to the document are:
Adam McFarland, SGA President; Melvin Colbert, SGA Vice President; Justin Williams, SGA Executive Director; Garrett Auzene, SGA Senior Board Trustee; Brennan Hawkins, SGA Junior Board Trustee; Tyren Holmes, SGA Chief Justice; Adam Moore, SGA Attorney General; Armaad Morman, SGA Treasurer; Arrington Crawford, SGA Corresponding Secretary; Michael Hayes, President of Vanguard Leadership Group and Chantel Morant, Vice President of Vanguard Leadership Group
# # #
Tonya
October 16th, 2009
3:21 pm
NA:
Hampton…my first choice of HBCUs (and I didn’t even end up going there)!
Tyrell: part of a GOOD university’s mission is to prepare you for the working world. Having a standard of dress is a part of that. Morehouse has a reputation to uphold, so if their rules are not agreeable to you feel free to transfer elsewhere. The money they get from donors and alumni is a more pressing issue than your tuition.
They want pretension: The business world is mostly pretension. The rules of the game are already set, and if you want to change them you must first establish yourself as someone worthy of following. Just saying…
Bmchast
October 16th, 2009
3:27 pm
I wish I had sons and money to send to Morehouse in support of their outstanding leadership to stand up for change. This decision I believe is a great plus for the men in the House.
bmchast
Culpepper
October 16th, 2009
4:01 pm
I believe that students should have the right and are entitled to voice their concerns and issues with policies that they feel strongly about. Students at Morehouse would ultimately have to comply with these policies and they have a right to address their concerns as well. I totally understand why Morehouse feels it must enforece a dress code. However, the issue that most students are concerned with is Morehouse’s reputation for not being receptive to alternative lifestyles. I suspect some students feel that the school is sending a message that gays should “hide themselves” and that their “behavior” is not acceptable to the Morehouse tradition-thats the bigger issue. Then again, Morehouse is not for everyone, what school is? But that is not a reason to create a policy that sends the wrong message to student who are just as gifted and talented but who happen to be gay.
Parent
October 16th, 2009
4:35 pm
Their are many well dressed black gay men who would probably fit right in at Morehouse.
jim d
October 16th, 2009
4:38 pm
Culpper,
WHAT !!!!! Gays don’t wear suits?!?!?
dino
October 16th, 2009
6:54 pm
Professionalism always included appearance. Potiental employeers, investors, new student, etc will see the school and students in awhole new light when everyone looks presentable. A first impression is usual based on appearance. I love the idea and hope the student see the positive affects that will come from this change
Another Morehouse Alum
October 16th, 2009
7:38 pm
Homosexuals have always been a presence at Morehouse. The policy does not prevent anyone who is a homosexual from living their life the way they see fit. It does not prevent any student that espouses street fashion from living their life. What the policy does is establish guidelines of appropriate dress in conformance with the mission, values, history, and tradition of the college. Just as cutoff shorts may not be allowed at some private golf courses, hats are not to be worn inside of Morehouse buildings with the exception or religious attire. Just like some restaurants require jacket and tie, Morehouse says that jeans are inappropriate for Crown Forum. It’s about creating an experience, not just providing an education. If you want to wear pajamas to class, or cross-dress for that matter, you have the choice of attending an institution that will accommodate your preferences.
ROCKMEN1
October 16th, 2009
7:56 pm
I applaud the decision to enforce the dress code. What took so long? I long for the Olde Morehouse. Where a man dressed and acted like a man.
payroll
October 16th, 2009
8:02 pm
Pumps??? LOLLOLLOL!!!!!!
SpelHouse Product
October 16th, 2009
8:04 pm
I COMPLETELY APPLAUD THIS EFFORT!!!!. When I originally read “Young MEN of Morehouse, pull up your pants, remove your do-rags, high heels and remove your shades and hats when you enter a building”, I was completely beside myself, not to mentioned completely disturbed with it (esp HIGH HEELS??).. WTH???
As a multiple generation product of SpelHouse, and with many, many, family members and friends that are alumn of Morehouse, I was absolutely floored that the issue of dress (particularly dressing like a FEMALE at an ALL MALE institution) has gotten so out of hand that they had to create and enforce rules prohibiting it. While I realize that there are in fact homosexuals that attend this ALL MALE institution, and frankly I could care less about that, however, this is unquestionably an ALL MALE institution, with the key word here being MALE… in other words and bottom line MEN DO NOT DRESS LIKE WOMEN PERIOD.
Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays (President of Morehouse 1940-67) said it best “A Legacy to Keep and an Image to Uphold”.. and that definitely applies here..
E
October 16th, 2009
8:54 pm
As a Morehouse College Alumnus, I must applaud this! I respect everyones right to wear and be what they want to be. BUT, If you want to be a woman (your choice and I have nothing against you or your choice) or a thug (that is your choice) but this prestigious college was establish to build leaders (African American Men). If you want to be a woman, then Spelman College (a great women’s college is an option for you), if you want to be a thug, there are alot of colleges out there that accept that behavior. This is the prestigious college that African American leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and others have attended. Please represent! People wake up, our leaders are being led astray (gay, thugged out, selling drugs or on drugs, in jail, killing each other at the drop of a dime), we need to start somewhere to get our students and future leaders back on the right path. Actually it needs to start in the elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, but if there is not the controls/power to do it there, then I am pleased that Morehouse has stepped up to show that it can be done and needs to be done in private institutions.
miss america
October 16th, 2009
10:09 pm
Interesting. The president of Morehouse sends his daughter to Stanford University. A college with no ‘dress code’ for its students.
Morehouse Student
October 16th, 2009
10:17 pm
I sit here reading these comments in shock, and i laugh… Morehouse needs to stop worrying about image, and needs to start worrying about the gay population(which i can say is rather large), that pays out of pocket for their school tuition. I have never seened such an institution worriied about clothing, rather than the lack of proper learning methods to improve students learning. I am disapointed, and they keep saying find else where to go, I am a senior if i want to go elsewhere( which i have already tried) morehouse doesnt transfer a split of credits that most schools will take…..so how about you reimburse me all of my 120,000 and find else where to go, im almost done, why am i being forced to leave now because of the way i dress. And yes i am a straight male, who finds it hard for people to adapt to their environment. when a morehouse man hits the work force and his boss is gay, what happens..does he reflect on what his President At morehouse said and be jobless. This is the real world, and the administration simply lives in our world..they are there from 9am to 5pm…so to be honest with you admin should only be taking our money, and insuring our campus is safe and violence free along with academics…
its a shame cant wait to graduate
Morehouse Alumnus
October 16th, 2009
10:37 pm
The problem with this policy is that it is yet another example of Morehouse focusing on frivolous issues that have nothing at all to do important outcomes like graduation rates or issues like student safety in West End Atlanta. Compared to increasing graduation rates or ensuring that students can walk around campus without being shot, giving “stirring” speeches and wasting time on silly dress code policies based on the actions of a handful of students seems is an easy out.
Morehouse Alumnus
October 16th, 2009
10:47 pm
Implementing a dress code does not increase graduation rates nor the school’s ranking. Let’s deal with real issues facing Morehouse instead of focusing on trivial issues like student dress. Surely there are far more pressing issues that need to be dealt with…students getting shot, students shooting other students, alumni giving, etc.
MzCaliAttorney
October 16th, 2009
11:14 pm
Well Morehouse men look the same as the men in pumps with matching purses at Lenox…there is obviously something wrong with this city and I would never send my dog to Morehouse, the area looks like Compton and it’s filled with tranny’s! Gay is one thing but Atlanta has some sort of wierd sub-culture going on, I had to give my son the same speech my parents gave me…”put your hand over any drink while you are out, if you leave it unattended do not take another sip, somebody might put a mikey in it and rape you” This is a shame…only in Atlanta…
miss america
October 16th, 2009
11:17 pm
MzCaliAttorney, you are an idiot. And a homophobe. Shame on you for sounding so ignorant.
MzCaliAttorney
October 16th, 2009
11:21 pm
Also they don’t care about graduation rates because everyone (outside of the south) knows that getting a degree from Morehouse (along with most GA colleges) is like obtaining a degree from a third world country…Georgia is years and years behind…(I heard that Clark Atlanta students line up to register for classes in person,wtf..I thought that only happened in movies never thought it was real)!…
So, all you country boys know when people mention “slow” these are the types of things they speak of, Morehouse looks like my junior high school, the education is inferior and with the men/women students + the internet it will soon become a laughing stock:(
MzCaliAttorney
October 16th, 2009
11:22 pm
Hey the truth hurts…
Goody
October 17th, 2009
12:44 am
MzCaliAnthouny, Morehouse Alumnus and Tyrell:
You are so ignorant and out of touch, that a reasonable argument for your Dumbass viewpoint should be dignified with a response.
Morehouse is still the top producer of MEN poised to lead ignorant people like yourself to new levels of Excellence.
If these young, confused souls dont want to attent, PLEASE LEAVE. I dont want any Man of Morehouse, who does not want to conduct themselves as Men, Period.
Jazzy
October 17th, 2009
12:50 am
Somebody is going to have to check the homophobia at morehouse…it is like a cesspool of ignorance there. Since when was image more important than substance?
Jazzy
October 17th, 2009
12:53 am
Goody you need to check yourself!
Having a bunch of african american men subscribing to european superiority(putting those western style suits above other forms of dress) leading people is like having ray charles leading a bunch of people through a crowded highway….it wont end well(same as Morehouse leadership has shown us)
purplelotus10
October 17th, 2009
1:46 am
The new dress code policy is long overdue!!!!! I am glad to see the administration take a stand against all this foolish dressing by our young men. If you don’t like the policy…then go to another school.
purplelotus10
October 17th, 2009
2:01 am
Ditto what “Another Morehouse Alum” said. This effort is to establish guidelines for dressing within this school environment. As a mother of 3 daughters, I am quite concerned with the “pool of men” they have to choose from. Further, I am so tired of seeing buttocks hanging out of pants, jeans, etc. The look is tired and so over by now. WOW!!!! YES….MOREHOUSE HAVE A LOT MORE ISSUES TO ADDRESS BUT THEY HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE.
JD
October 17th, 2009
9:06 am
I applaud Morehouse! As a 47 year old black male, I can see 1st hand that the do rag wearing, sagging, dred headed individuals have totally taken over the young black male psyche. It is a fact that clothing is indeed intimately tied to the psyche of an individual or group. If you wear somewhat conservative clothing, you may present yourself in a certain way that denotes conformance and a belief in success in society at large. If you wear the attire banned by Morehouse, you may present yourself in a particular way that may not be conducive to success in the larger society. Morehouse should indeed make it uncomfortable for those types of individuals. If they want to dress that way, they should go to Berkeley, Harvard or some other bastion of liberalism which may accept this look under the guise of freedom of expression. Although it has nothing to do with what may be in an individuals head, there is a certain amount of conformance that these young black males have to learn. The key word is CONFORMANCE.
Jazzy
October 17th, 2009
10:13 am
Purplelotus tell your daughters if they cant respect black men without having them be slaves to the dress of the european than tell them to look elsewhere for men. Morehouse men are at school for education, not to preserve an image(that the school hasnt lived up to in over half a century), or to be future husbands to your offspring.
Just a thought
October 17th, 2009
10:56 am
All I can say is THANK YOU. Let’s establish a new day in Atlanta. Perhaps others will follow this lead.
Just a thought
October 17th, 2009
11:11 am
To Tyrell,
College is like dress rehearsal for life. While you’re learning your academic content, you should also be in the process of evolution and learning how to dress appropriately. First impressions are lasting impressions. What if you happen to be in class with your future supervisor from a reputable company. Although you’re intelligent, he will look at the bottom line. The bottom line will be how you presented yourself while earning your education. This is not about beating up on you Tyrell. Let’s do something different. I think the high schools should all follow suit.
Another Morehouse Alum
October 17th, 2009
12:17 pm
Those who suggest that Morehouse is proposing that students become more European in appearance obviously haven’t visited Morehouse and witnessed students wearing clothing that reflects their African traditions, Muslim, or Jewish faiths. Also, if you review the policy, it doesn’t prevent students from wearing clothing for religious or cultural reasons. I attended class with students that wore yarmulkes, kufi hats, turbans, head wraps, etc. These students were allowed to wear their head coverings while other classmates were required to remove their caps, hats, and hoods. The whole “European indoctrination” argument does hold water here. Furthermore, I also reject the argument that African Americans wearing suits have adopted a European frame of reference; the same way I reject the notion that any hairstyle or clothing instantly determines any persons frame of reference or world view.
Tanisha
October 17th, 2009
12:37 pm
So Morehouse is going to require our young Black men…our PRIDE…to dress like MEN, and not strutting, bug-eyed punks. It’s about time…
1992 Alum
October 17th, 2009
1:01 pm
I am a 1992 graduate of Morehouse. I commend the school for taking this action. If some students don’t like it then transfer!!
Russell
October 17th, 2009
1:16 pm
I believe in freedom of expression in all forms. But I also believe that you have to “earn” enough respect to be able to pull off your rebellious fashion. If my kid dressed in a way I didn’t care for, “But,” brought home straight A’s, took the initiative to be supremely helpful to his family, neighbors and friends, was a perfect gentleman, outgoing, friendly, loving and was generally highly productive, then he’d have me beat. I guess I couldn’t say anything. I support Morehouse’s initiative though I don’t think the homophobia was necessary at the end.
JustSaying
October 17th, 2009
1:23 pm
This is a good effort on the part of Morehouse but I think it’s too little too late. The image of Morehouse men is already shot to hell. Perhaps they should focus more of their attention on the fact that Morehouse students are either beating each other with baseball bats or killing/shooting each other. Dress code is not going to change what has been seen all over this country on the news. Morehouse Men don’t respect each other, themselves, their college, their sister college (Spelman) or their legacy. There was a time when I thought of MLK when I thought about Morehouse. Today when I think about Morehouse I think of gay black men and thugs.
Morehouse needs to raise it’s admission standards. As it stands today any street hoodlum can get into Morehouse. The school is a shadow of its former self. I wouldn’t send my son to Morehouse.
Also, I don’t care if it’s anti-gay, but men at an all MALE school should NOT be walking around dressing like women. I don’t blame Morehouse for not wanting the gay population to be the face of Morehouse. Dress however you like when you’re away from school, but don’t bring that crap on campus where recruiters, future employers, and career fairs are held. I can only imagine how some white recruiter must feel watching swarms of cross dressers walking around what is supposed to be the dominate institution for educated black MEN.
If Morehouse really wants to get back on track they need to do something about their admission standards and the criminals they have walking among them. Just my two cents.
Don Herd
October 17th, 2009
1:36 pm
Your V.P. Bynum is absolutely right. The extreme monority of Gays just
cannot influence an established policy that has been there for years.
Grumble you may (minority) but you well knew the policy of the school.
Hold the ground Bill Bynum. Best regards from CANADA
Ms Concern:
October 17th, 2009
1:45 pm
THIS IS A SCHOOL OF HIGHER LEARNING, YOU ARE GOING TO COLLEGE TO BECOME PROFESSIONALS. (LEAVE “HOMEBOY” HOME), WITH THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR AND MINDSET, IT IS NO WONDER WHY YOU ARE NOT IN EXECUTIVE POSITIONS, AND ON CORPORATE BOARDS. THE COLLEGE HAS THE RIGHT TO SET WHATEVER POLICIES THEY CHOOSE. OUR YOUNG PEOPLE LIVES TODAY HAVE NO ” MOROLE VALUE SYSTEM”, IDEALS, RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES or OTHERS, RULES OR PRINCIPLES. YOU DON’T OWN THIS COLLEGE, JUST AS YOU WANT THE FREEDOM TO DRESS LIKE YOU WANT, YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM TO LEAVE. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. I LOVE TO SEE A BLACK MAN DRESSED IN A SUIT, THEY LOOK SO DISTINQUISHED, THEY NEED TO GO BACK AND STUDY THE 30′S PEOPLE WERE SO PROUD AND WELL DRESSED WHEN THEY STEPPED OUT THE DOOR, IT WASN’T ABOUT MAKEING A STATEMENT, IT WAS ABOUT MOROLES AND HOW YOU CARRIED YOURSELF. THIS IS SOMETHING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LACKING “HOW TO CARRY THEMSELVES”. YOUR PURPOSE FOR BEING THERE IS TO BECOME THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST, YOU CHOOSE.
Voice of Reason #1
October 17th, 2009
1:55 pm
Ms Concern…was the “all CAPS” necessary? And it’s “moral” and “making.”
free_agent
October 17th, 2009
2:12 pm
Purplelotus tell your daughters if they cant respect black men without having them be slaves to the dress of the european than tell them to look elsewhere for men. Morehouse men are at school for education, not to preserve an image(that the school hasnt lived up to in over half a century), or to be future husbands to your offspring.
So again, black men must stay true to the image of the black male prison population culture/criminal class as dictated by the hiphop industrial complex. Please! As long as that is where your allegiance is, then you’re not worthy of respect or attention of any upward mobile young lady, and don’t worry, no sane woman would vet you as “husband material” either. Don’t fool yourself.
Tenika Storey
October 17th, 2009
2:21 pm
This is absolutely a wonderful thing!!! I am glad to see our HBCU’s setting the standard for excellence.
sylvia hooker
October 17th, 2009
2:39 pm
Bravo!
Voice of Reason #1
October 17th, 2009
3:13 pm
To those who are AUC students or live in that area, please expound: Do some/many men of the ‘house really dress in drag and is the gay population as prevalent as sometimes reported? Is this really a problem there? I guess I really don’t want to believe it. But that that particular point had to be specified in the code for a men’s college…it must be!
Morehouse Alumni
October 17th, 2009
3:37 pm
Morehouse House Administration (under the leadership of Dr. Franklin), you should be applauded for making a bold and clear statement that supports the expectations that you have of Morehouse students. Often times, people want to compare and contrast policies, procedures and the like to what other institutions are doing. The conversations begin to move away from the spirit and essence of the true intent. Don’t be distracted, stand on your convictions and continue to make decissions that are in the best interest of Morehouse. Stand on principle and stay the course!!! I’m PROUD to be associated with a college that is able to strike the right balance between being progressive and traditional. Thank you!
WakeupBlackmen
October 17th, 2009
4:13 pm
Hip Hop has led young black men down the wrong path. Period. If you can’t live by these rules, you won’t be able to function in a civilized society. If you only fight in this life as a black man is to wear women’s clothing, you are not worthy, find something substantial to do with your life. Most private schools have dress codes. I’m sure the administration can walk and chew gum at the same time, i.e. dealing with safety issues. People are tired of seeing black men who look like they walked out of a dumpster – jeans, dreads, baggy clothes. Bravo Morehouse, I wish all HBCU’s would follow suit. Bayard Rustin marched with Martin – and not in pumps and a dress. BTW, what parents are paying good money to allow their sons to dress in women’s clothing? BLACK MEN NEED TO GO THROUGH A RENNAISSANCE AND SHED HIP HOP – IT’S OVER!!!!!!!!!!
A.W., AUC Alumn
October 17th, 2009
4:51 pm
I applaud Morehouse for their actions. No, the school is not anti-gay. They’re setting a standard. There’s a difference. When I go to work, there’s a dress code that I have to follow. It’s not about them being “anti-” anyone or anything. It’s about professionalism.
What everyone fails to realize is that there are corporate executives, donors and potential donors, politicians, etc. on Morehouse’s campus every day. Not only are they visiting the classes, meeting with administration, holding sessions for students, etc., but they are also paying attention to the students and how they present themselves. I worked at another school in the AUC, and it was the same there. When you’re asking people for money, and every time they come to your campus they see a complete lack of professionalism and respect for others, they’re not going to be as inclined to give money. I have actually walked next to an executive on my own campus who looked with disdain as a female student stooped down to pick up her book, and her skirt was shorter than it needed to be for her to bend down in public. This has an effect on giving, which in turn has an effect on the colleges. Students’ tuition doesn’t cover all the bills.
20 year Republican
October 17th, 2009
4:52 pm
Kudos to the President of Morehouse and the committee for setting the rule for the org. It is a private institution, so, if the applicants are not fond of the ruling then – leave!
The One Morehouse Calls a FAG
October 17th, 2009
5:50 pm
WOW…alot coming from people not even attending this so called illustrious institution. I am a junior at Morehouse College, and I am an open gay male. I have never witnessed any male walking around in womens clothing.. What is defined as women clothing? or is it the way a male chooses to wear his clothes defined as women clothing. Men dont walk around campus with pumps, nor do they carry purses…The “BAGS” I CARRY ARE FROM THE MEN DEPARTMENT OF MAJOR DEPARTMENT STORES….alot of you alumni and other observers do not attend Morehouse, and you see what you want to see when you visit our campus. I have a 3.9 cum gpa along with 2 non profit organizations that are registered world wide..i have done 4 internships with some of this countrys major fortune 500 companies….I just advise all the observers not to come for the GAYS as if we dont know what an education is..its badd enough were already expected to live in an homophobic environment, but when it comes onto grades best believe we are always on point. So whatever comments you believe is your obligation to provide, please keep it to yourself, because media has put alot more than just a dresscode violation on some of the GAYS at Morehouse. You keep telling us to transfer somewhere else, but when trying to transfer try asking dear ol Mother Morehouse to transfer those credits that some schools have never even heard of. So therefore i am remaining at Morehouse, and i dare admin to test my knowledge and wisdom of what A MOREHOUSE MAN SHOULD BE… at the end of the day what I have between my legs makes me a physical male, not what clothes i choose to wear!
Jazzy
October 17th, 2009
5:53 pm
Free agent you know nothing about me…but go on and get your housetrained European wannabe Morehouse man. Just dont complain to me when you realize a nicely dressed poorly educated man is just that.
Substance over style anyday “Sista”
Tyrell
October 17th, 2009
5:55 pm
I am overwhelmed by some of these responses! Some of you need to look at yourselves and what you wear on a daily basis. How would you feel if someone told you that women shouldn’t wear pants because it’s male clothing? YEA! Right! You would disagree! However, some people feel that women shouldn’t wear pants, make-up and even earrings. I say all of this to say people have a right to wear what they want to, when they are paying their own money. I could even extend this ,should people not have certain rims on their car because it wouldn’t be business like? White institutions don’t have these issues because they are primarily concerned about getting their money, making the student’s campus appealing and educating their students; not what their students are wearing. Morehouse needs to focus on creating new dorms and upgrading the facilities. Also didn’t the president a few weeks ago make a statement after an employee was fired for sending a derogatory email about gays? He stated something in regards to they believe in treating everyone equal.
This is for the people that have an issue with guys sagging “How many of you complain to those people during the spring and summer that walk around in swim gear? Do you complain about that and say it’s inappropriate. Many of them are showing a whole lot more than underwear? Overall, we are worried about the wrong issues. Also how much of that money does Morehouse give to the community? Right! None, because in the community they still have a street called ROACH street! There are many individuals that have very good paying jobs and they dress appropriate for work but when they’re in their familial environment and out, they dress stylish. Even some of you wear certain things outside you wouldn’t dear wear in your WORK environment.
Also after one leaves Morehouse no one is going to be concerned about what I had on during college. They’re going to look at my college transcripts and credentials.
Physician & Surgeon
October 17th, 2009
9:59 pm
Uh…”Tyrell”…”White institutions don’t have these issues…” as you say in your 5:55 PM post mostly because White men don’t seem to be dealing with the psychoses and foolishness too many of our young Black brothers are, with the thug-wear, not getting educations, etc. AND, a White person can still have easier access to jobs, etc., before any Black will, so why diminish your future opportunities? Think, bro. You’re picking the wrong battle.
True, as I’ve shared with the hi-ups at Morehouse…the entire AUC, HBCUs everywhere and the Black community in general–especially in the hi-crime AUC area–have major issues to deal with. So work to improve that–let that be your fight; not that “men” should be able to wear “women’s” clothing as the order of the day and it just be accepted. That doesn’t even sound right.
As I’ve said in many a lecture (and referred to in the yellow and black ‘boxes’ here http://drmccloud.com/photos.php): It is time for our Black “brothers” to stop taking the path of least resistance and speak proper English, go to school, dress and act like a MAN. Be MEN.
T…you don’t seem to realize that before people even get to “see” your mind, they literally “see” YOU. Or, if they do see your transcript first, and then you show up and they see you looking like a thug or dressed as a woman when you’re supposed to be a man, transcript be damned–you ain’t getting the job, kiddo.
If you are–or aim to be–a man, be and dress like one. If you’re not a man–in the fullest sense–then go somewhere where you’re not expected to be one.
It’s time you Black men stand up and be Men. And you guys wonder why many Black women are “angry.” Because many of you don’t want to be men. In the [civil rights] days when there was true struggle in the Black community even to be able to go to school, young Black men spoke with respect, carried themselves with dignity (even when getting their heads beaten in) and they honored themselves and their Black women. [I'm writing about this right now, for a book.]
Who you wish to sleep with is your business; knock yourselves out and keep it to yourselves, i.e., stop infecting innocent women. But if you’re a part of an institution–work or school–you should reflect positively on that institution. In my office–dress code: you can’t come in there dressed any ol’ way, because you are representing ME and MY business/company. How a person dresses reflects on the institution. And don’t concern yourself with what others are doing; concern yourself with being the best BLACK MAN you can be. You young Black guys have messed around for far too long, with the foolishness of poor diction, baggy pants, hip-hop lyrics, disrespect, cursing and crime. It’s time that decency and dignity prevail.
1906 Ivy League Alum
October 17th, 2009
11:26 pm
As an alumnus of an Ivy League institution, I’m so happy not to have dealt with the silliness that must go on at HBCU campuses. My very elite and diverse university treated students as adults and recognize that there are far more important issues than the outfits they wear. If Morehouse is interested in turning out professional drones rather than encouraging true intellectual discourse, then it will suffer the fate of other financially poor HBCUs. The true elite schools learned long ago not to harness individuality.
1906 Ivy League Alum
October 17th, 2009
11:33 pm
In reply to Lynn: “Do you all think students at Harvard attend functions without their Jackets or wear sagging jeans to events sponsored by Harvard.”
Harvard students wear whatever they like. I think you would be surprised if you actually stepped foot on the campus of a school like Harvard, Brown, Stanford, or Yale. It’s not a fashion show. Sweatshirts, jeans (skinny, sagging, loose, boot cut, whatever you like), shorts, flip flops, tee shirts are the uniform of choice.
1906 Ivy League Alum
October 17th, 2009
11:37 pm
I will commend the president of Morehouse for NOT sending his daughter to an HBCU.
kk
October 18th, 2009
1:00 am
I think that this policy is a great idea! as a young lady attending college as well, i feel that students (male and female) have gotten out of hand with the clothing sytles that they chose to wear around campus. i love to see young men look presentable, so I’m excited to see how this policy plays out.
i do however, dislike the comment made by one of the morehouse alums, “Clark is around the corner take it there”, i felt that that was inappropriate, because Clark has absolutely nothing to do with this article. Clark men are just as outstanding as the men of Morehouse.
woods
October 18th, 2009
1:22 am
Enter your comments here
MzCaliAttorney
October 18th, 2009
2:05 am
CNN reports…”However, it is the ban on cross-dressing that has brought national attention to the small historically African-American college.” = Laughing Stock…
I am just glad this has made the national press so the rest of the country is informed about what is really going on in this city, Morehouse is just the tip of the iceburg!! Next they should file charges against the plastic surgeons in the city that are giving these men titties!!! Atlanta is like the twilight zone!!!
Voice of Reason #1
October 18th, 2009
9:41 am
It’s amazing what pulling off a band-aid can begin to reveal.
Beautiful Creole Sista
October 18th, 2009
11:44 am
MzCaliAttorney, your comments are a hot mess. I hope your son or any of your other children aren’t gay because they would have a mess of a mother to deal with. You are probably one of those low self-esteemed sisters that got knocked up and couldn’t keep a man. Now you are mad at the world. If you hate Atlanta so much, you can always leave. Go back to Cali. Try L.A. or San Francisco. We all know that they don’t have gay people there. Right. I’m so happy to be a beautiful sista. I know how to keep a good man. And I love my gay friends.. from my most flaming hair stylist that keeps me looking great to my most masculine gay attorney and physician friends that keep me grounded.
Beautiful Creole Sista
October 18th, 2009
11:48 am
MzCaliAttorney, you are a hot mess! I hope that your son, nor any of your children, happen to be gay (it’s not a choice, you know). I would feel sorry for him (them) to have an ignorant and close-minded mother like you. You seem like one of those sistas that got knocked up and couldn’t keep a man. Now you are mad at the world. If you hate Atlanta so much, move back to Cali. We all know that there are no gays in L.A. or San Francisco. Right. I’m so thankful that I am not some bitter old woman. I’m thankful for my gorgeous man in my life. I’m thankful for my gay friends. From my flaming hairdresser that keeps me looking so good to my more professional gay attorney and physician friends that keep me grounded.
MIT Parent& Educator
October 18th, 2009
12:01 pm
Our children have to compete in a very demanding world. Morehouse is a private college. I have one child at MIT and one that graduated from a HBCU. Both have and are getting an excellent education. If you are opposed to the rules at Morehouse, go somewhere else. My husband and I have standards in our house. We love our three children dearly and have worked diligently to provide a good, safe and loving home. When our children are grown and in their own homes, they have the right to follow and make the rules that they decide are right for them. Too much is being made of this issue. Morehouse is not right for everyone. But, Morehouse has the right to set its policy. Our nephew is there and loves it. We are pleased at the growth we have seen in him. Don’t try and destroy what someone else is trying to build. Unemployment is 10.1 percent in Georgia. Why don’t we focus on that? Gas is going up again? Our young people are killing each other every day. It happens so often it is not even considered a major news story. Leave Morehouse alone. If you are looking for a cause to fight, there are many very serious issues facing us.
Princeton Alum
October 18th, 2009
12:24 pm
As a recent graduate from Princeton and an African American male, I would think that Morehouse should focus its attention towards providing a safer campus to its students rather than focusing on what someone wears to class. Many of you would be surprised to know that undergrads at Ivy institutions don’t dress like Wall Street bankers while attending class.
Morehouse Senior
October 18th, 2009
1:40 pm
I am all for equality or whatever but we have to draw the line SOMEWHERE! No you will not getting a job if you dress like Gucci Mane or like Tyra Banks. PERIOD. Womens clothing??? I am truly embarrassed to be a Man of Manhouse now because everything thinks we are fruitcakes and fake thugs!! SMH
Morehouse Guy
October 18th, 2009
5:47 pm
I don’t quite understand the whole “Morehouse should concentrate on larger issues” line of argumentation. As an alumnus, I’m well aware of the College’s various initiatives designed to address everything from creating a larger civic footprint in the West End to preparing Men of Morehouse to attend schools of public policy. Don’t misinterpret this dress code policy as the College losing focus on anything else it does.
The College is in the process of working with its police force, other AUC campus police forces and APD to secure the campus, so what are people talking about? The College can walk and chew gum at the same time. I see lots of red herrings on this message board about where the college’s institutional focus should be, and I guarantee you that in spite of all of the media attention, the institution is working on a host of fronts to prepare its students for the next stages of their lives (which includes BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO this dress code policy).
To the Princeton Alum, as a Harvard graduate student, I can personally attest to what I see on campus, but in all honesty, Morehouse is not an Ivy League institution. If we had their endowments and shared the same applicant pool, then maybe this would be less of an issue, but we don’t. Our public image matters to our donors and parents who invest their time and money into the College, and the last thing we want to do is embrace the worst stereotypes about black men to the public through how students present themselves. This is about establishing a baseline of respectability amongst the student body, and for those who find it noxious, you should go to school somewhere else.
Morehouse Guy
October 18th, 2009
6:05 pm
I’m not quite understanding the comparisons here between Morehouse and other Ivy League institutions that are dealing with an entirely different demographic with an entirely different set of challenges. As both a Morehouse alum and a current graduate student at an Ivy, it seems pretty obvious to me that institutions facing different challenges and different demographics may have to employ different tactics to meet their institutional standards, correct? We have distinctly different institutional cultures that we’re dealing with, so the analogies don’t quite do it for me.
That said, the whole “Morehouse should be concentrating on larger issues” seems equally unpersuasive, as the College is in fact working on a host of issues that every college must face as well as the more college-specific initiatives (creating a larger civic footprint in the West End, preparing students for study in international affairs and public policy, producing more Ph.D.s in the natural and biological sciences, etc.). Further, the College is actively working with other AUC campuses and the AUC to secure its premises, so where is all of this coming from? Simply because the media doesn’t cover everything we do, doesn’t mean it’s not happening. You would think with all of these Ivy League alums on the message board this would be apparent, but obviously not. Morehouse can walk and chew gum at the same time.
I applaud the College and Dr. Franklin on having the courage to publicly take by the horns a thorny issue plaguing so many campuses (not just HBCUs) in this country around striking the balance between establishing a baseline of decorum on campus (you can wear stilletos on your own time in the City if you’d like) and encouraging the holistic development of their students.
And lastly, who says this has ANYTHING to do with the quality of the intellectual environment of the College? This is about outward appearance during classes and at school-sanctioned events.
Jocelyn
October 18th, 2009
6:12 pm
Excellent post, Tanisha. But the problem is that lately our young Black men have not been our “pride”…but our “shame”.
Proud Alum '05
October 18th, 2009
6:35 pm
Thank you Morehouse for putting an end to the silliness I’ve seen going on around campus since I graduated. While the professional world is becoming more liberal and accepting of different fashions (i.e. dreads), there are certain fashion habits that need to be broken in order to get young men ready for the real world.
After reading the provisions of the policy, it is not only fair, but also very reasonable. It’s not asking students to wear suits every day… it’s only requiring suits for major events. While students are off of the campus, they may wear whatever they want. Morehouse is not dictating how students should live their lives, but only telling them what not to wear… I don’t think anyone is going to have to break the bank in order to abide by this new dress code.
Good Job Morehouse!