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Hmmm, maybe this issue is so subjective that Hampton has simply decided to stay to the far right of the issue. It really is something that you have to be all or nothing about with respect to developing a policy. For instance, I do not think that braids are a professional look for men. If I had a son I wouldn't let him wear braids, and I would hesitate to hire a man w/braids (well-maintained or not). However, I see nothing wrong with dreads. Furthermore, I think that a woman with an afro 2-3 inches long is fine, but something like 5 or more inches, again is fashionable but not professional. How does a school articulate something like this? It certainly opens up the door to a lot more debate and discussion, which they may not be interested in doing. Perhaps while they may recognize that there are many successful African Americans in the business world who wear a variety of natural styles, the time spent reviewing and educating students on where the boundary lies btwn acceptable and unacceptable is counter productive. It seems that their decision is not to deny anyone's culture or spirituality, but rather to instill in their students what they already know is acceptable. From there, the students can feel free to express themselves as they please, but starting from a solid basis of appropriateness.
Finally, what is classified as 'professional appearance' is actually quite rigid for men and women of all races. For instance, long hair (including facial hair) on any man is usually not considered professional. Women are not suppose to wear their hair below shoulder length, and earrings should be no larger than a coin (I believe). Short sleeve shirts or unbuttoned suit jackets are considered unprofessional for men as well as pants or heels over 2 inches on women. Of course colors that deviate too far from the standard gray, black and blue are also traditionally unprofessional. Now of course we see successful people who don't fit this mold every single day. However from an educational perspective we were taught what was 'technically' professional dress, and then encouraged to use our good judgement depending on the industry, location, and office environment. Perhaps this is what Hampton is trying to do with their students.
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