Currently, Hampton University requires all students in their 5 year MBA program to cut their locks and remove their cornrows. Recently, a school in Cleveland released a dress code policy for the upcoming school year that included a ban on ‘afro puffs and small twisted braids’. After public outrage, the non African-American administration at the Horizon Science Academy in Cleveland, Ohio back-peddled, apologized, and stated that they will revise their dress code policy. On the other hand, the ban on locks and cornrows remains in full effect at Hampton University. In fact, Hampton’s 12 year ban has been a part of their School of Business since 2001.
In light of the public outcry regarding Horizon Science Academy’s decision to ban afro puffs and small twisted braids, we ask the following questions…
- Is it more or less acceptable for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges or Universities) to ban natural hair styles?
- If Hampton was a PWI (Predominantly White Institution) would the Black community be more engaged and moved to action?
- Are Black people more accepting of policies that degrade people of African descent when they are implemented by other Black people, such as Hampton University’s Dean Sid Credle?
SOUND OFF BELOW…
