Dress Code for students at Paul Quinn College

[Blacksocialite]

I have a story on my blog today about Paul Quinn's new dress code for students. Students may only wear Greek or school nelia on Fridays.

This is very interesting!

[Tom Earp]

WOW!

Above the call of duty for people who pay to go to school there!

[Senusret I]

If certain professors want a dress code, I can support that.

A school wide dress code is paternalistic (is that a word) and crazy.

I'm SO glad I went to school where I did.

[Blacksocialite]

It was a long standing tradition of historically Black colleges and universities to implement a dress code for their students.

These colleges were built on the philosophy of 'workforce prepareness' in addition to the attainment of higher education. So, many of these institutions 'trained' students for work and life after college.

Paul Quinn is a HBCU and is going back to their standard traditions.

[Senusret I]

I understand that. I still think it's stupid and paternalistic. Let the professors teach that particular lesson if it's relevant to the coursework. Otherwise, stop trying to replace good parenting and home training with a policy that patronizes the students.

I know people who went to class in pajamas and now make six figures.

[KDAngel]

It's a private school, it's fair game.

I personally think it's stupid, but oh well.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I understand that. I still think it's stupid and paternalistic. Let the professors teach that particular lesson if it's relevant to the coursework. Otherwise, stop trying to replace good parenting and home training with a policy that patronizes the students.

I know people who went to class in pajamas and now make six figures.

not to mention that school spirit shirts and greek letters aren't appropriate for the workplace at all, at least in "professional" places

[neosoul]

what's a convocation?

[AKA_Monet]

A Convocation Is...

[nikki1920]

I dont know about a daily dress code for classes. I dressed up when I had to give a presentation, but that's it. If you don't know to wear a suit for an interview, then that is lack of home training. I agree that it is not the colleges' responsibility to teach common sense. I attended a PWI and an HBCU. The dress code was WAY relaxed at the PWI (full pajamas, cut offs, etc) and was not as casual at the HBCU (jeans, t shirts). I was taught in middle school that you dress up when you have a performance (former band member!! whoo hoo) or a presentation to make before the class. All that money that I borrowed or my parents are paying; I should be able to wear what I want to. And you do have students who may not be able to afford business casual clothes that need to be worn 180 days of the year. I did see the clothing drive they had for the students, but still. I just think that's a bit extreme.

[CutiePie2000]

mehhhh...I don't see what the big to-do is. I liken it to "jeans days" or "casual day Friday" at work.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by nikki1920

I dont know about a daily dress code for classes. I dressed up when I had to give a presentation, but that's it. If you don't know to wear a suit for an interview, then that is lack of home training. I agree that it is not the colleges' responsibility to teach common sense...All that money that I borrowed or my parents are paying; I should be able to wear what I want to. And you do have students who may not be able to afford business casual clothes that need to be worn 180 days of the year. I did see the clothing drive they had for the students, but still. I just think that's a bit extreme.

While I agree with you at some point, some of these kids do not have what we would call a home--or at best, a "dysfunctional home". Folks just do not know any better, and guess what, that translates to jobs/careers and aspects of life that we find distasteful.

The monies paid for tuition does not cover infrastructure improvements. Those funds are obtained by grants, charitable gifts and endowments; and capital campaigns. The people the view these schools are not African American and expect certain standard features of a college when these people give their own money. When a college gets these funds, the administration will do what these funds; otherwise, these funds are rescinded. I know the Gates Foundation is notorious for taking money back if the entity does not do what stated in the grant.

What is unfortunate is poorer students inability to afford appropriate clothing. However, I am currently reading "Up From Slavery" from Booker T. Washington. It is interesting what he says about the students 1 generation from enslavement... And he notes that yes, these young people had no clue about basic hygiene and dress, but we will do better... And the book was first published in the early 20th century.

[Honeykiss1974]

Ahhh, convocation! that brings back memories of college....

We had dress codes at college (I attended an HBCU). I know if someone came to class in pajamas, they would have been sent back home to change. Not to say that you had to come to class in a Brooks Brothers suit but sweats or jeans would have been sufficient (unless it was school of business day - then you did have to dress up ).

[Tom Earp]

Good dress properly or go home!

Dress like a gang banger or Hip Hopper. who and what does that show?

So what is wrong with dressing like a real human?

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by Tom Earp

WOW!

Above the call of duty for people who pay to go to school there!

Originally Posted by Tom Earp

Good dress properly or go home!

Dress like a gang banger or Hip Hopper. who and what does that show?

So what is wrong with dressing like a real human?

Mr. Earp, I am a bit confused as to your opinion on this dress code. Could you elaborate?