In 2009 Morehouse College released a new dress code policy focused on creating a high aesthetic standard among its young men under penalty of denial of admission or denial of access to events. The language of this policy is as follows:
It is our expectation that students who select Morehouse do so because of the College’s outstanding legacy of producing leaders. On the campus and at College-sponsored events and activities, students at Morehouse College will be expected to dress neatly and appropriately at all times.
Students who choose not to abide by this policy will be denied admission into class and various functions and services of the College if their manner of attire is inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate attire and/or appearance include but are not limited to:
1. No caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.
2. Sun glasses or “shades” are not to be worn in class or at formal programs, unless medical documentation is provided to support use.
3. Decorative orthodontic appliances (e.g. “grillz”) be they permanent or removable, shall not be worn on the campus or at College-sponsored events.
4. Jeans at major programs such as, Opening Convocation, Commencement, Founder’s Day or other programs dictating professional, business casual attire, semi-formal or formal attire.
5. Clothing with derogatory, offense and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.
6. Top and bottom coverings should be work at all times. No bare feet in public venues.
7. No sagging–the wearing of one’s pants or shorts low enough to reveal undergarments or secondary layers of clothing.
8. Pajamas, shall not be worn while in public or in common areas of the College.
9. No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.
10. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities that are sponsored or organized by the College (e.g. athletic teams, the band, Glee Club, etc).
11. The college reserves the right to modify this policy as deemed appropriate.
*All administrative, faculty, students and support staff members are asked to assist in enforcing this policy and may report disregard or violations to the Office of Student Conduct.”
On October 11, 2010 Vibe.com posted an article entitled "The Mean Girls of Morehouse". This article explores the recently enacted dress code (particularly Item #9) at Morehouse and its subsequent effects on the gay community within the institution. While many would argue that this policy fosters an environment of professionalism throughout the student body, others would argue that it actively discriminates against those men who seek to express their sexuality, gender, and sense of self through non-traditional means.
For your convenience I have attached both the article posted by Vibe.com as well as the letter written by the President of Morehouse College, Robert M. Franklin. As you follow the accounts of the three young men cited in the article, and read the address of President Franklin, I ask that you consider the following questions:
1. What interests are served by creating a dress code such as this at an institution such as Morehouse?
2. Given the struggle of black men to prove themselves as capable and exceptional professionals in America, would it be detrimental to the academic goals of the College to repeal its policy?
3. Is it fair or appropriate for President Franklin to affix his personal beliefs on gender to the policies of the college?
4. Are the goals and aspirations of Morehouse College really endangered by allowing young men to dress in feminine garb if such clothing maintains the underlying sense of professionalism that this dress code allegedly is trying to achieve?
5. To what extent does it matter that these young gay men are choosing to leave Morehouse rather than being explicitly forced to leave? Or, are they being forced to leave?
6. How could the dress code be changed to better effectuate the goals of College while not creating the issues cited in the Vibe article?
http://www.vibe.com/content/mean-girls-morehouse
http://www.vibe.com/posts/morehouse-president-writes-letter-alumni-addressing-mean-girls
