New Morehouse College Policy Bans Sagging

[JBaby1981]

After having read all of the articles, I have to say that I am for the dress code. I attended a private high school (over 10 years go) which of course had a strict dress code. While men in womens clothing was not something that ever occured on our campus, I'm quite sure it would have been deemed not acceptable. Not because of a homophobic administration, but because of the rules that each student simply has to abide. IMO, you cannot expect a group of 17 to 20 something males to truly understand why it would be important to leave your lax attire for the appropriate occasion. I truly believe that 10 years from now, they will all look back and appreciate that they were given direction and guidance that prepared them for awaited them beyond those walls. Self expression and individuality are perfectly acceptable (as previouisly mentioned) but there is a time and a place.

In reference to Dr. King and his statement regarding Men (or people) being judged by there content/character rather than skin color, I hardly think he was referring to sagging jeans or anything of the sort. He was speaking specfically regarding the racisim that he and other African Americans were experiencing at that time.

Cross dressing, while I do not support any type of discrimination on any levels I have to say that I also believe it is inappropriate for class. If a transgender woman is seeking or planning to have gender reassignment then they obviously would not be a candidate for Morehouse College. Otherwise I have to say that I'd support it whole heartedly. Just my opinion....

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by JBaby1981

In reference to Dr. King and his statement regarding Men (or people) being judged by there content/character rather than skin color, I hardly think he was referring to sagging jeans or anything of the sort. He was speaking specfically regarding the racisim that he and other African Americans were experiencing at that time.

Yes, but what is racism if not judging a person or discriminating against them just because of their outward appearance. I don't know what the term would be, but judging somebody by what subculture they follow seems little different to me.

[DrPhil]

Screw you too, Senusret!!!

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Yes, but what is racism if not judging a person or discriminating against them just because of their outward appearance. I don't know what the term would be, but judging somebody by what subculture they follow seems little different to me.

[JBaby1981]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Yes, but what is racism if not judging a person or discriminating against them just because of their outward appearance. I don't know what the term would be, but judging somebody by what subculture they follow seems little different to me.

Racism is defined as....

1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

We have to be extremely careful with the words we choose to prove a point or opinion. So as you can see when we get right down to it, its apples and oranges...this has nothing to do with racism or discrimination (which is what Dr. King was speaking of) it merely a tactic to urge our young men to strive for perfection if not more than...Something I'm quite sure Dr. King would have not only supported but taken part in and with pride....

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by JBaby1981

Something I'm quite sure Dr. King would have not only supported but taken part in and with pride....

[NinjaPoodle]

Of the responses I've read so far, this has stood out:

From yahoo NPHC listserv

I remember my first week at Morehouse years ago. My grandfather drove me down to Atlanta from Philadelphia. We arrived at 6am. We were among of the first new students to arrive and start a line of students that eventually number 900. We waited for nearly two hours under the gaze of Martin Luther King Jr., welcoming us and reaffirming something we all already knew - that we were on the threshold of becoming a part of a rich tradition of black men who walk these same halls and sat in these same rooms and left to do great things. We were proud already.

At the end of the day, the school had all new students dress in suits and line up in the center of the campus. From there they marched us past our teary eyed parents into the Martin Luther King International Chapel for the Welcome to the House ceremony. It was truly a memorable occassion for all. They marched us out to the area outside the chapel where all of the parents awaited for the Parents Departing Ceremony. Every mother was crying. The adminstrators told the parents to say goodbye to their boys - it was time to let us go to become men. My grandfather hugged me and smiled. He told me, as I stood there arm in arm with my 900 other freshmen Morehouse brothers, that I looked like a Morehouse Man and that he was proud of me.

For all of the debate about self expression, legality, and even the common sense of Morehouse's new policy, I doubt anyone, including those who support the policy, can truly appreciate what it means to be a Morehouse Man and the need for us to ensure that our traditions and mores are renewed and continued. As members of Greek lettered organizations, I'm certain you all hold your organzations in the highest esteem, rebuking those who seek to tear down your reputions and standards for excellence. Many of us have the same level of affection for Morehouse only the pledge process there is 4 years long! Lol. Morehouse isn't just a school to us, it's our brotherhood and we protect it fiercely. Morehouse isn't perfect but we are striving toward perfection. Whatever your disposition on the school's policy, know that for the most part our community sees it as welcomed recommittment to some of the basic principals that every Morehouse Man understands appreciates and respects. Some students will feel constrained by it, true. But Morehouse is not for everyone. I still feel prividged to have attend Morehouse and I only want those who truly want to be there to be able to call themselves Morehouse Men. I feel the same way about Kappa Alpha Psi.

That's my two cents.

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 27, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Morehouse Alum

The bottom line, I think, is Morehouse has every right to do this because they are preparing these young men for what the real world has to offer and also just like when a person becomes a member of a greek org, they represent that org weather they are wearing letter or not. I believe the same can be said for the Morehouse man. When he sets foot on or off of the campus, he is a visual reflection of the school regardless of what his personality is. You only get one chance to make a first impression. The way people are reacting to this you would think that someone's mother got shot. Is it really so bad that Morehouse wants it's student's to not only be the future leaders but know how to dress the part?

Something my mother used to say is "We (both parents) wouldn't be doing this if we didn't care. How would you like it if no one cared?"

I think Morehouse is doing the same thing. If they didn't care they wouldn't have done this. A parent should always want what's best for their child? Right?

The schools mission statement:

Mission Statement

Guided by a commitment to excellence, Morehouse, an historically black liberal arts college for men, assumes a special responsibility for teaching students about the history and culture of black people. The college seeks to develop men with disciplined minds, emphasizing the continuing search for truth as a liberating force. Morehouse prepares its students for leadership and service through instructional programs and extracurricular activities that: develop skills in oral and written communications, analytical and critical thinking and interpersonal relationships; foster an understanding and appreciation of the elements and evolution of various cultures and the nature of the physical universe; foster understanding and appreciation of the specific knowledge and skills needed for the pursuit of professional careers and/or graduate study and; cultivate the personal attributes of self-confidence, tolerance, morality, ethical behavior, humility, a global perspective, and a commitment to a social justice.

I think that the dress policy is an action that fits within the mission statement.

Interview on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bes...dress.code.cnn

I'm 100% for personal expression but there is always a time and place. I attend an art school. We're ground zero for expression of all types. What Morehouse is saying no to, I see every day not only at my school but in the city I live. I expect that. For what Morehouse is, stands for, perpetuates, I would expect to walk onto that campus and see clean, polished young men preparing themselves to take over the world.

[NinjaPoodle]

As I was sorting through the numerous responses on the listserv, I came across this:

An Important Message to Alumni from President Robert M. Franklin’75

Dear Alumnus:

Please take a moment to read the following message from President Robert M. Franklin’ 75.

We hope you had a great Homecoming Weekend!

The Morehouse Model: Dressing the Part

Morehouse College recently implemented an “Appropriate Attire Policy.” The policy is the result of more than two years of discussions on aligning our student development with the College’s historical mission of producing educated and ethical leaders. I have said since taking the Office of the President that it is my vision to produce Renaissance Men with a social conscience and global perspective. The Appropriate Attire Policy communicates standards of dress and behavior that reflect the Renaissance Man at Morehouse.

The attire policy is only one element of a comprehensive student development program that not only outlines appropriate on-campus dress, but also challenges students to discuss the balance between individual expression and social responsibility. This is an ageless debate that calls each generation to discuss, discern and formulate solutions that work for their time and their circumstances.

We, better than most, understand the need for self-expression of young African American males in this society. Many of their expressions, such as spoken word and socially conscious rap, styles of dress, and even hairstyles are forms of self-expression designed to further define their identity and set them apart. But other forms, including wearing sagging pants, do-rags and “grillz,” have become associated with negative stereotypes of black manhood.

Since the policy was released, a lot of attention has centered on the standard that prohibits men from wearing women’s clothing on campus. Some critics have concluded that Morehouse seeks to discriminate against certain groups of students, specifically gay, transgendered and bisexual men. This is not our intent. In fact, we have worked diligently to ensure that Morehouse is a safe, inclusive, and respectful community with a strong commitment to social justice, diversity and respectful tolerance.

We welcome lively and creative debate on diversity, civility, and open-mindedness with the understanding that these are qualities that serve as the foundation of every liberal arts institution. As we seek to implement our expectations and values, we have felt it important to identify specific behaviors (like sagging pants, caps in classrooms, profanity in public and aggressive conflict resolution) that are contrary to the College’s traditions.

Sincerely,
Robert M. Franklin’75

[SeriousSigma22]

Here's another thought,

Most or in fact I believe that all public schools in the US have dress codes and Zero Tolerance Policies and some even make their students wear uniforms.

Corporate America has high standards and the purpose for college is to prepare a person for that world so they might as well start their training on the right foot.

Serious. . .

This is a great thread I'm enjoying reading everyone's comments. . . .

[BlueReign]

Great topic! Well said Sorors NinjaPoodle and Serioussigma.