Should students be allowed to wear bedroom slippers, bonnets and Crocs to lectures?
A university has sparked debate after banning students from wearing bedroom slippers, bonnets, Crocs and other clothing it considers inappropriate.
One of the biggest perks of university life is the freedom to dress as you please. Unlike primary and high school, where uniforms are the norm, university students often have complete control over what they wear to lectures.
However, that freedom has also led to changing fashion trends on campuses. It’s no longer unusual to see students attending classes in bedroom slippers, or bonnets - items that were once reserved for the comfort of home.
Bonnets and durags seem to be becoming mainstream fashion accessories, with many people wearing them in public without thinking twice.
An American institution of higher learning, Tuskegee University, introduced a dress code prohibiting students from wearing bedroom slippers, bonnets, durags, revealing clothing and other attire deemed inappropriate.
For graduating students, the university announced: 'Sneakers, fuzzy slippers, flip flops, and crocs of any kind are not allowed, and heeled shoes over 4 inches in height are prohibited. Please note that Dress Attire will be enforced. Those not in dress attire will be removed from the Line of March.'
In South Africa, some university programmes already require students to dress professionally. Health sciences students wear lab coats during practicals, while hospitality, aviation and certain engineering programmes may have specific dress requirements for safety or professionalism.
The bigger question is whether these expectations should apply to every faculty or whether students should continue enjoying the freedom that comes with university life?
Comments:
The policy has divided opinion online. Here's what people had to say:
" Roll this policy out to every college and university in the country."
"I don't see the issue. Its an HBCU Dr. Mark Brown is running the show. He's black. I like it. I don't let my kids go in public like that either. He wants our youth to carry themselves more professionally."
"So now the way your attire during studies determines your future? Meanwhile we have billionaires that dropped out due to similar updates to waste more time. More people will be studying from home while the rest still wasting time grooming."
" I agree. If you dress professionally, you'll feel and think more professional. You can't get a job in the real world wearing a do-rag, a hair net, or slippers. After all, isn't that what college is all about? Preparing yourself to attain gainful employment?"
" Idk. Usually when I’m in public and I’m wearing my durag, it’s because my hair is not presentable. Maybe some of y’all are far removed from the struggle but hair cuts are not cheap anymore. Going to get your hair done is a luxury at times, maybe they just can’t afford it."
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