Dress Code for students at Paul Quinn College

[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 When a college gets these funds, the administration will do what these funds; otherwise, these funds are rescinded.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.