Morehouse College, an all-male private university in Atlanta, is making headlines today for its controversial new campus-wide clothing standards. Recently released, the “Appropriate Attire Policy” marks a number of clothing items that will no longer be accepted attire at the historically black university. Included in the lineup are a few of the usual suspects (no hats, hoods, do-rags, sunglasses or offensive clothing in class), a few less common culprits (”decorative orthodontic appliances”, sagging pants, pajamas or bare feet), and then the one that’s getting all the attention: “No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.”
While Morehouse is defending their new policy as a measure to protect the school’s reputation and legacy — past alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Maynard Jackson, among others — many find the new dress code to be homophobic and discriminatory to the school’s gay population. This perception has been further strengthened after Dr. William Bynum, the school’s Vice President of Student Services, had this to say, “We are talking about five students who are living a gay lifestyle that is leading them to dress a way we do not expect in Morehouse men.”
Complicating the matter is the school’s gay organization, Morehouse Safe Space, who pre-approved the measure in a 24-3 vote. Presumably they didn’t have a problem with the new policy. Although, it’s important to note, that cross-dressers typically makeup only a small percentage of homosexual men. Maybe even, perhaps, to a similar degree as the vote?
Nevertheless, it doesn’t look good for the school of Martin Luther King Jr. to be closing its doors to men trying to live their own dream as black and successful homosexual men, who just so happen like to sport a purse as well. While the school certainly does have a rich history of producing great leaders, it would be all too unfortunate if they end up narrowing their idea of that might look like into such a confined ideal: heterosexual and male.
Comments
Matt
October 19th, 2009 - 3:33:56 PM
The new dress code isn't homophobic at all. The reality is that homosexuality and cross-dressing are two completely different things. Not only do the vast majority of gay men not cross-dress at all, but many cross-dressers are actually straight! The association between homosexuality and cross-dressing is just an urban myth.
Kelly
October 19th, 2009 - 3:50:29 PM
It's definitely homophobic, if you ask me, but furthermore it seems a bit class-ist too, no? Excluding baggy pants? Sorry not everyone's idea of fashion involves a suit and briefcase.
tlove
October 19th, 2009 - 4:38:01 PM
they should be setting a standard. its college. are you going to crossdress at your job? mmmm
Ernest Moore
October 19th, 2009 - 5:32:02 PM
I think this is a great idea, and many more colleges should do the same. For you young men out there in need of any clothes, please visit my website. I am all about imporving the male image, inside and out. I would be willing to work with any of you young men, and even women, because you only have one chance to make a firt impression!
kevin
October 19th, 2009 - 5:45:21 PM
^ true: and homophobia is not a great one
byrd
October 19th, 2009 - 6:57:35 PM
@kevin - hahaha i love it.
JC
October 20th, 2009 - 8:34:37 AM
This is exactly what is needed. College is a place for learning and allowing anything or anyone to disrupt a class is not worth it. HBCU's have a hard time recruiting top students and if you plan on attend Morehouse College, you're there for a great education.
Mo-House
October 20th, 2009 - 10:51:56 AM
I am a Morehouse grad and I don't have a problem with it. Morehouse is a "Private" college. Also please remember there was an incident a couple years back at Morehouse with beating of gay student. I don’t consider the college homophobic but more so looking out for the welfare of gay students. Atlanta has a very large population of Black gay men. There are homophobic people in this world and if not wearing lipstick prevents a beating I am for it. The same way I would expect a college in the inter-city of LA to ban gang colors to prevent student on student violence on campus.
Jaroslaw
October 20th, 2009 - 12:54:51 PM
Mo-house - yes there are homophobic people in the world, but you ignore the problem if you say a guy can't wear lipstick. That is blaming the victim. Guess you didn't learn to think while you were there. 'Cause guess what happens next? Even if no guys wear women's anything, then the justification to beat someone will be "he looked at me funny, he walked funny, he talked funny etc."
ray
October 20th, 2009 - 3:26:27 PM
Homophobia (from Greek homós: one and the same; phóbos: fear, phobia) is defined as an "irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals",[1] or individuals perceived to be homosexual; it is also defined as "unreasoning fear of or antipathy toward homosexuals and homosexuality",[Im not fearful Im just saying dress appropriately for class.
scott
October 20th, 2009 - 4:03:28 PM
I am for the ban. No one is against gay students. they have been at the school for decades. The problem is these students are trying to create a scene, they are acting like junior high kids. they want to standout in a dramatic way. Men at an all male school wearing lipstick and wigs? pocketbooks and red high heels? DRAMA QUEENS!
Fred2
October 20th, 2009 - 10:32:42 PM
Blogger Sandra Rose, who is openly lesbian BTW, provided a common sense explanation for Morehouse's new dress code: "Morehouse College has a rich tradition of educating and training black men to be leaders. A man can’t lead other men wearing a dress." http://sandrarose.com/2009/10/19/morehouse-under-fire-for-asking-black-men-to-be-men/ Amen to that. Do you really think President Obama would be taken seriously by the leader of Iran if he came to the meeting in a dress with matching pumps and makeup? Me neither.
Mike
October 21st, 2009 - 12:34:04 PM
Fred, you're right of course (re: Obama wearing a dress), but the question is why wouldn't he be taken seriously? And it's when you're looking into that "why" that you bump into a whole lot of stereotypes and prejudice -- namely, that wearing a dress is unmanly, that is is feminine or homosexual, and not proper attire for a "real" man/leader -- because, obviously, there is nothing intrinsically un-leader-like about a man wearing a dress. The only reasons it's not typically accepted are for social reasons. And I, and others, believe those social reasons are a bit homophobic. And in my opinion, the university is the perfect place to confront and challenge those assumptions and stereotypes. Unfortunately, Morehouse appears to have decided not to.
byrd
October 22nd, 2009 - 2:45:16 PM
@Fred2 - you're missing the point. Obama may very well not be taken seriously if he showed up in Iran wearing a dress, but educational institutions like Morehouse are the place where young americans 'come-of-age' for lack of a better term. That's how our system works. To ban a gay student (a group of people that have been traditionally persecuted) from wearing a dress would send a message to the entire student body that its not okay to be who you are. Educational Institutions are NOT the same thing as a country that may have nuclear arms. Its okay for a student to not be taken seriously at first impression. There are no lives at risk. Aside from that though, this isn't even really ABOUT homosexuality since most transvestites are straightfolks. This whole thing is ridiculous. Set an example - wear what you want. For some reasonable thoughts on the subject, check out: http://byrdsview.blogspot.com/
Free
October 23rd, 2009 - 2:19:32 AM
I cannot believe how stupid we have become as a people. The dress code is put in place to bring an element of order. In any occupation you pursue, a dress code will be implemented. It is a natural order. Stop implying that we are homophobic if we disagree with your opinion about appropriate attire for men. It's not that deep. Men look ridiculous and inappropriate and you are not a victim because you can't dress in exaggerated women's clothing. Alcoholics can’t hang out in bars. You can’t be a high fashion model if you are 5 feet tall. You get the point. You can’t do whatever you simply because you want to. Morehouse College is a business and has the right to implement a dress code. If it doesn't work for you select a different school.
byrd
October 23rd, 2009 - 11:45:09 AM
@Free - Are you kidding me?? You are missing the point. There is no RULE or LAW that says that alcoholics can't hang out in bars. You may think it is irresponsible to do so, but who are you to tell them what they can and cannot do? Or what is appropriate? As long as them hanging out in a bar doesn't harm you, and it doesn't, then that have every right to be there. In the same way - wearing an article of clothing that YOU (yes I mean you Free) don't think is appropriate would in no way harm anyone. Educational institutions are the breeding ground for progress and the only reason anyone would think a man wearing girl's clothing is inappropriate is because people like you are trying to stop the most progressive places in the country from allowing their STUDENTS (students, not professionals) from wearing what they want and expressing themselves. It doens't harm anyone, Free. Get over it. For more actually reasonable thoughts on this topic: http://byrdsview.blogspot.com/
Katie, Wales, UK
October 29th, 2009 - 6:08:58 AM
“No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) " Now remind me, which part of Iran is the USA in?