Before the fall semester commences at Tuskegee University in Alabama, a new dress code has been implemented which prohibits bonnets or du-rags from being worn in class.
In a letter, Tuskegee University President Mark Brown informed students that bedroom shoes, bonnets and du-rags were banned from wearing to class or the cafeteria. Under the new policy, students are required to arrive on campus with a business suit and proper shoes appropriate for a business meeting.
“The goal here is not meant to restrict you from enjoying the Tuskegee Experience, but to prepare you with a solid foundation for the workforce you will enter once you leave Tuskegee,” Brown’s letter said. “Employers are less forgiving and too often presentation may overrule stellar preparation.”
While the college’s decision has caused discourse on social media, students particularly at Hampton University and Norfolk State University also have mixed reactions.
Norfolk State University student Le’Ren Jones is concerned the change could undermine black students.
“While I believe that students should have high expectations for themselves that inform how they show up in the world, I fear that policies like this will disempower Black students and threaten the sense of belonging that draws many of them to HBCUs rather than PWIs, where ball caps and slippers can be seen in classrooms and dining halls on a regular basis,” the second-year mass communications major said.
Hampton University students are no stranger to this enforcement as du-rags and bonnets are also prohibited on their campus except in the living quarters.
“Speaking from experience, constantly wearing business casual to professional attire gives a new sense of confidence and definitely encourages you to proudly display your skills and your school when it matters,” third-year journalism major Cole House said. “As a Hampton University student, we have very similar rules and regulations and seemingly students have benefited from it, both academically and professionally. All in all, I agree with Tuskegee University’s decision, and I think it will lead to the betterment of their students and their public perception, which, unfortunately, matters when searching for jobs post-graduation.”
Although the policy is familiar, every Hampton Pirate isn’t for Tuskegee’s mandate.
“While I do believe we need to emphasize professionalism, and I understand the perspective of always being prepared for an opportunity, I also believe students should be able to relax on their own campus without being restricted by rules like these,” said Chavez Milan, a fourth-year strategic communications major.
Milan considers a student having a bad hair day as means to wear a bonnet or du-rag to class.
“I think that for formal events, there should absolutely be a ban,” he said. “However, if a student has had a rough day or week and hasn’t had time to do their hair, they should have the option and comfort of wearing that headgear.”
