Brittany Bullock
MC301 Contributor
Sagging or unbelted pants, midriffs or halters, mesh, netted shirts, tube tops or cut-off t-shirts, short shorts, do rags and clothing with obscene words or images; these are all items that are included in Student Decorum policy’s prohibited dress.
What decorum policy some of you may say? The Decorum Policy at Jackson State University outlines standards of conduct, speech, and dress that all students must adhere to while attending classes or university events.
The policy, which is located in the Student Handbook that can be found on the Jackson State website under the Student Affairs tab, reads in part:
… this policy is put in place as a supplement to clarify and extend the dress code as well as the proscription against the use of inappropriate language. JSU is committed to fostering an educational environment that, consistent with its academic freedom and mission, prepares its students for success in the classroom and later in their careers. JSU may expect students to adhere to generally accepted standards of conduct. Actions that substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline or otherwise substantially interfere with the University’s educational mission or the rights of other students may be regulated.
Laquala Coleman, the associate dean of students, explained that new students are notified of the Student Decorum policy during orientation and all students are expected to review, as well as be familiar with the current student handbook.
Coleman also explained how the policy is enforced.
“The decorum policy is enforced according to the Student Handbook. Violations are documented, submitted, and enforced by the Dean of Students Office,” said Coleman. “A warning is issued to a student/student group/student organization for the first violation. Any further violations may result in a fine, as well as educational components.”
Coleman explained why the policy was implemented.
“Per the Student Handbook, dress standards promote learning by establishing expectations that will reduce educational distractions as well as help prepare students for later success. These restrictions are minimum requirements that will result in a warning or student conduct action if not followed. The University expects and strongly encourages its students to adhere to the higher standards of appropriate dress on campus and at University events as recommended in the Student Handbook.”
Some students feel that the policy is needed but some students are not adhering to the guidelines and are not being punished for it.
“I do not think students are being held accountable; you can go down the plaza on any day at any time and see girls with pants that are way too short, and guys with sagging pants. I had a class with a guy my freshman year and he always came to class with a do-rag on. Nothing was ever said to him,” said Demond Lewis, a sophomore mass communication major from Clinton, Miss.
Lewis also believes that the policy is sometimes enforced more on female students than male students.
“There is most certainly a double standard. A teacher will tell a girl that her dress is too inappropriate in a heartbeat before they tell a guy to pull his pants up or take his hat off.“
Lewis believes that the only way students will adhere to the policy is if a monetary fine was attached.
“If students had to pay a fine for every time they were found out of dress code, the problem would more than likely be solved. Or at least there would be less people walking around out of conduct,” added Lewis.
Coleman stated that there is a fine associated with decorum violations.
“A warning is issued to a student/student group/student organization for the first violation. Any further violations may result in a fine, as well as educational components,” said Coleman.
Reneisha Evans, a senior physical education major from Decatur, Miss., is another student who feels a decorum policy is needed.
“Wearing heels, crop tops, and clothes that are too revealing to class (should be prohibited),” said Evans. “There’s a time and a place for everything.”
Joshua Moncure, a sophomore criminal justice major from Jackson, Miss., offered a male point of view on the subject.
“I hate when females wear those crop tops with their stomachs out and their stomachs don’t be up to par,” said Moncure who believes some female students are trying to hard to impress male students and should just be themselves.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue of student decorum, the policy exists and according the Coleman, can and will be enforced.
For a complete look at the Student Decorum Policy, students can find an electronic version of the 2016-2017 Student Handbook at http://10.14.12.245/studentlife/files/2012/08/2016-2017-Student-Handbook.pdf. A hard copy is also available in the Dean of Students Office located (Suite #3200, Student Center).
Karen Sims contributed to this story.
