Students 'reminded' about dress code

Students are being informed that Claflin University has an enforceable dress code.

Dr. Leroy Durant, vice president for student development and services, said a Sept. 3 letter to students is "a gentle reminder."

It states: "We, at Claflin University, believe that student dress and overall appearance should foster a positive and productive environment and should reflect pride in oneself as well as in our school.

"We further believe that student dress and appearance is a shared responsibility. It is our sincere desire to provide adequate leeway for individuality, while simultaneously maintaining a standard of good grooming and personal modesty."

According to Durant, it’s a respect issue, not just
for the university and its staff, but for students as well.

The dress code discourages attire such as pajamas, ripped clothing and other items that have offensive and inappropriate messages.

Students are expected to dress more formally for events such as career fairs, presentations and speaker engagements.

The dress code issue is not new as a similar letter was sent in spring 2024.

"Failure to comply with this policy is a violation of the university’s code of student conduct. ... Violators will be subject to the code of conduct and sanctions up to, and including, expulsion," Durant said.

Students have mixed views and concerns about the dress code, with some believing it to be fair and others saying it is unfair and imbalanced.

Julissa Clyburn, a sophomore, said, "It feels fair. It’s better here in college than in high school, as more high schools are directed towards women.”

But junior Payton Price-Walker said, “I feel like some parts of it are too much. We should wear what we want, and shouldn’t be judged for what we wear to class.”

Speaking anonymously, another student agreed.

"I don't care about what Dr. Durant has to say about how I dress, I'm grown."

And also speaking anonymously, one professor chimed in:

"I think that when these young adults come to college, they are comfortable with wearing what they want and caring about others’ opinions about how they are dressed, not realizing that this is the place where we as professors, who have also experienced this, want students to be able to express themselves while also preparing them for their career and the professional world."

Appropriate attire

According to the dress code, top and bottom coverings should be always worn. Examples of appropriate attire for various occasions include:

A. Classroom, cafeteria or university offices -- casual or business casual.

B. Formal programs – Matriculation Day, chapel, convocation, Founders' Day and other college functions -- business or business casual.

C. Interviews – business.

D. Social/recreational activities, residence hall lounges (during visitation hours) — modest, casual or business casual.

E. Galas or balls – Formal and semiformal attire.

Inappropriate attire/appearances

According to the dress code, inappropriate attire and/or appearance include but are not limited to:

A. Caps, do-rages, skull caps, stocking caps, bandanas, and/or hoods in classrooms, cafeteria or other indoor venues; these items can be worn in the privacy of student’s residence halls.

B. Head coverings and hoods for men in any building; baseball caps and hoods for women in any building.

C. Sunglasses or shades in class or at formal programs.

D. Clothing with derogatory, offensive and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.

E. Clothing that is excessively tight, short or revealing.

F. Men and women’s pants that are worn low enough to reveal underwear, undergarments, or secondary layers of clothing.

G. Improper fitting or lack of undergarments.

H. Bodysuits and leggings worn as pants (unless they are under dresses, long tops, or skirts that are of appropriate length).

I. Dresses, tops, shorts, or skirts that are inappropriate length (i.e. hot pants, tootsie shorts, miniskirts or mini dresses, bralettes or crop tops that are bra length.

J. Pajamas worn in public or in common areas of the university.

K. Sports jerseys and undershirts worn outside of residence halls without a conventional T-shirt underneath.

L. Inappropriate shoes (i.e. Faux Fur Slides and sandals, furry crocks, and bedroom slippers).