Comparison of the B-CU expected dress code vs current student dress code

Students at Bethune-Cookman University, like their counterparts at other HBCUs, like to dress to impress and be seen, especially on different occasions, such as attending the president's banquet, heading out to a birthday dinner and even just walking to the "Den."

Women on campus are rocking every hair color: neon, pastel, and mermaid influenced by multi colors. Likewise, body con dresses that are thigh high and two-piece bodysuits are popping up frequently here in Daytona Beach where the nice beach weather is appreciated after a cold winter.

"My style is normally not too eye-catching but looks fresh," freshman Amanda Ali said.

Meanwhile, B-CU men like showing off their true religions jeans with proof of tag hanging from the loop, which allows them to sometimes show the campus what brand of undies they are sporting today.

Likewise, one need look no farther than at the feet of some men to see some of the best shoe collections around as they head to class sporting all editions of Air Jordan's, Nike Air, Huarache and I've even spotted a Yeezy Boost or two.

While students style and profile, most probably have never really looked at the student handbook and the section labeled "dress code."

I dare say most Wildcats probably haven't opened the handbook since freshman year and looked at the university-wide policy on the dressing. Yes, fellow Wildcats, campus policy dictates what is and is not acceptable in terms of dressing.

One section specifically states a student can be asked to leave the classroom to change attire and to apologize if an instructor finds their clothing inappropriate. It advises to not make a big deal because "you will lose."

Headgear such as hats, caps, and do-rags are prohibited inside the classroom and outside. Clothing and accessories cannot broadcast profanity or anything drugs related. If clothing is considered "sexually explicit or suggestive; clothing which expresses any form of ethnic degradation.," is not acceptable.

On top of the policy outlined in the handbook, interim President Hubert Grimes sent a campus-wide email about a new policy that goes into more details.

"It has been observed that some of our students have not been appropriately dressed for the academic environment. Proper dress is necessary in order to maintain concentration and to provide a safe, positive, and healthy university setting. Dress that attracts undue attention or distracts from the educational process is unacceptable," Grimes wrote.

"Students who fail to comply will first be required to immediately change into appropriate attire. All following infractions will be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. Students will not be allowed into the classroom, library, dining hall, or other common facilities if not in compliance with this policy," the email states.

Students' reaction has been mixed.

"I think it's a great idea to have professional dress Wednesdays and professional seminar Fridays," Ayana Smith said. "It helps to mold a student to be prepared for the professional world and the career path if that's what it requires a dress code. Yes, I do believe it's beneficial because it's a form of teaching us discipline and growing up. For some people, it's their first time buying a pair of professional heels, dress attire, or suits for men."

On the other hand, others who chose to remain anonymous, complained about being turned away from the cafeteria.