A hair-raising debate
Richard Prince reports that Susan L. Taylor, editorial director of the popular black women's magazine Essence, has balked at a speaking engagement at historically black Hampton University over the school's ban of certain hairstyles in its MBA program.
Essence has confirmed, Prince writes, that Taylor withdrew upon discovering that "braids, dreadlocks and other unusual hairstyles are not acceptable" for majors in the school's five-year MBA program.
Taylor told AOL Black Voices: "I began receiving e-mails from numerous sources advising me of disturbing regulations disallowing locks and braided hairstyles for Hampton students. One such e-mail included an Associated Press story headlined: 'University Bans Certain Hairstyles for Students.' As a businesswoman and public figure who has proudly worn my hair braided for more than 25 years, I was incredulous and felt insulted."
This is not a new issue. I recently debated with a friend, an African American woman, over Hampton's policy.
I argued that tastefully styled braids and dreadlocks ought to be acceptable. She countered that the business world does not see either as standard-issue hairstyles.
When in the business world, she added, you do as the business people do. That's how you get a job and it's how you get ahead.
Hampton is teaching its students well, she said.
Comments (20)
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Allen, your friend is correct and I agree Hampton should be commended for their policy.
Posted on April 13, 2006 2:04 PM
Appropriate attire and grooming are important in many areas of our society, especially business.
Kudos to Hampton for starting them out correctly in the business world. The sooner they learn the more successful they're likely to be.
Posted on April 13, 2006 2:55 PM
But...who decides/decided that neatly styled dreadlocks and braids aren't "business-like"? I disagree with the policy, because, to me, it seems to be saying, "look as white and eirocentric as you can, that's the measure of what's appropriate." Business attire should be about being neat, clean and presentable. That's it.
Posted on April 13, 2006 3:41 PM
Good point. Susan Taylor, the Essence executive, generally wears braids, and her appearance is the epitome of professional.
But where do you draw the line? And what about human nature? We're all prone to prejudge.
Posted on April 13, 2006 3:45 PM
The hair policy at Hampton University is wrong. Sure, a person must look the part when looking for a job but Hampton as an HBCU must embrace its heritage. African-Americans, especially young adults deal with too many restrictions already when it comes to appearance on the outside.
Posted on April 13, 2006 7:50 PM
putting a student in a box will noot prepare him or her for the business world. many people have succeed with "unusual" hairstyles. yes, hair should be nice, neat and tamed. no, we should not condemn "ethnic" hairstyles. let us be who we are and show the world that we are business oriented regardless of hair. Hampton would say that about color?!
Posted on April 13, 2006 7:52 PM
This is really ridiculous! What institution would not let you pursue an MBA because they want you to look a certain way? Isn't that being prejudice? Braids? Dreadlocks? Who would've thought that an HBCU would even make a policy that targets popular Afican-American hairstyles? There has to be something else that this institution need to focus on. I'm glad that Susan Taylor didn't show up!! Great job!
Posted on April 13, 2006 7:55 PM
I really don't agree with this policy at Hampton. Why should a black professional have to succumb with European society? African-Americans should be able to show pride in their culture and if that includes dreadlocks and braids in the business world, I say go ahead.
You would think that at an HBCU students would be encouraged to have pride in their culture, not hide it.
Posted on April 13, 2006 7:55 PM
I feel that Hampton is trying to produce carbon copies instead of indidivals students. Hampton already has so many rules and regulations, its becoming a turn off.
Posted on April 13, 2006 7:59 PM
Hampton produced Booker T. Washington, so this policy has long roots. Sure, people should be able to wear their hair as they choose, and I doubt seriously that neat braids and a nice suit would be detrimental in the slightest. At the same time, dress can clearly send messages, and I wonder where some of the anti-Hamptonites would draw the line. Large Afros? Sagging, baggy slacks? Dashikis? Bling? If the expression of "heritage" or "culture" is sacrosanct, should any mode of dress be permissible? Are all pressures to "dress white" illegitimately coercive?
Posted on April 14, 2006 1:20 AM
This is a ridiculous ruling by the school. Students will soon learn what is appropriate dress when they get into the real world and have difficulty getting a job because of their exterior presentation. I happen to love braids and wish I could have them, but they really would look "silly" on a white lady. Whoopie G. did very well with her dred locks. Neatness is the key. Neatness and professional behavior.
Posted on April 14, 2006 12:26 PM
I'm really surprised that a Historically Black College would develope such a policy. It's really too bad how people think. I'm a black female and wear braids because the mildest perm chemicals are too harsh for me. What would Hampton College suggest I do? I think we have enough sense to know what is neat and professional and what is not.
Posted on April 14, 2006 1:40 PM
What a shame that black people have to succumb to European to European society, the horrors of it all. So all you shamika's, latoya's and fromangilo's go ahead and express your heritage, come to work wearing a loin cloth, barefoot and carrying a jar on your head-you go GIRL!!!! Friend.
Posted on April 15, 2006 8:29 AM
Toby, is contemptuous condescension really necessary? You can disagree without being so disagreeable, can't you?
Posted on April 16, 2006 1:07 AM
It is really a shame that some really smart sisters are held back because they are not considered "acceptable" to whites who make hiring and promotion decisions. Sadly, hairstyles are not the only barrier. Some people are also turned off by the honest, "straight talking" attitudes of sharp professional black women in the work place. For some it is considered "confidence" but for black females this style is thought to be too aggressive.
Posted on April 17, 2006 9:14 PM
Allen, you draw the line at inappropriateness. Here in D.C. we have Capitol Hill interns (mostly white) coming to work in congressional offices with flip flops and mini skirts on...but I guess since their hair isn't braided or dreadlocked, they are appropriate. Again, who decided the measure of what hairstyle is appropriate in the business workplace was to conform to eurocentric standards?
Posted on April 18, 2006 11:59 AM
As an African-American female who has been wearing locks for almost 5 years (dreads are the European negative term for the style), I have had my portion of negativity from potential employers as well as my own culture. It is my right to wear my hair in his original form, not to compromise to other's views and comments, because at the end of the day, I must deal with myself and my right to be free.
Posted on April 23, 2006 4:52 PM
Well, as a black man with dreadlocks, I suppose that means that I won't be going into Hampton's MBA program. It's really ridiculous. They should allow students to wear their hair however they want and then teach them about how business really is outside the campus. Not only are they wrong for this, but they're alienating their customer base. All I can say is they lost one possible student, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Posted on May 16, 2006 1:19 AM
And this is why I transferred from this 'school' and took myself and my braids to the Ivy League.
Posted on July 12, 2006 8:03 AM
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Posted on October 25, 2006 11:16 AM