Dress code discussions at WSSU get mix-match reactions

Morehouse College administration declared the "Appropriate Attire Policy" in October.

Their policy outlines 11 expectations pertaining to how male students should dress while on campus.  

Instead of requiring specific clothing,  their new policy details clothing deemed unacceptable for students such as  "sagging" pants, women's clothing and headgear.

Civil Rights activist and renown author, Dr. Cornel West spoke to the Winston-Salem State community Nov. 4. He was on campus for the awards ceremony for the National Conference to End Health Disparities.

West said he is liberal to expression, and he knows the policy is to keep Morehouse men in check.

"Even if I disagree with [Morehouse President Robert] Franklin, I can understand where he is coming from," West  said.  

Morehouse is a private college.

WSSU, a public institution, does not have an official university dress code policy.  

The Office of Career Services, however, publishes a  "Do's and Don'ts"  flier about appropriate campus attire.

Vicki Miller, a reference librarian at C.G. O'Kelly Library, suggests that faculty and staff consider a dress   code. 

"The faculty and staff who do not presently dress in business and business casual attire should improve their dress as well," Miller said. 

About students, she said that they are preparing for their chosen careers.  

"Therefore, the students' dress should mirror those aspirations."

Dr. Dennis Felder, coordinator of sports management,  has a dress requirement for his students.

Felder said that  his responsibility is to prepare students for the professional world.  He said he expects his students to be well groomed with appropriate fitting clothes that are ironed.

Steve Stephens II, associate director of student activities, is in favor of a student dress code.

"If I were able to implement a dress code on our campus, I would require business casual attire Monday through Thursday, and allow Friday to be the casual attire day. 

"I would whole-heartedly support a dress code at WSSU because image is a major selling point for universities," Stephens said.

"Furthermore, Morehouse is a strong brand amongst HBCUs, and the things listed in their policy were tarnishing that brand."

The  faculty members in the School of Business and Economics  require their students wear business attire every Wednesday.  

There are some on campus who do not support a campus-wide dress code policy.

Provost  Brenda Allen said, "Dress is an aspect of personal expression. Imposing a daily dress code on young adults is a move to silence self expression and indeed a very simplistic attempt to deal with the deeper issues that only manifest in the appearance choices individuals make." 

Ashley Ferrow, agrees.

"Establishing a dress code limits my individuality on campus, so I would not support a code here," said Ferrow, a sophomore psychology major from Raleigh.   

SGA President Whitney McCoy said she believes students should be able to express themselves freely with respect for various environments and appropriate attire should be a moral standard.