Morehouse College's new dress code causes controversy

Some of the attire forbidden by the new policy is expected, including things like no do-rags, hats, sunglasses, hoods or offensive clothing in class. Some other off-limit items include "decorative orthodontic appliances", pajamas, sagging pants and bare feet.

The part of the policy that's drawing attention to the college, though, states "No wearing of clothing associated with women's garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events."

Morehouse maintains that the policy was put in place in an effort to protect the school's reputation. It is a historically black college with esteemed alumni including Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Surprisingly, Morehouse's gay organization, Morehouse Safe Space, pre-approved the policy with a vote of 24-3. However, many find the policy to be discriminatory to the school's homosexual population.

The school's Vice President of Student Services, Dr. William Bynum, furthered this frustration when he said, "We are talking about five students who are living a gay lifestyle that is leading them to dress a way we do not expect in Morehouse men."

Advocates of the policy say it is one aspect of a broader scope of values that the university promotes in order to help students become strong leaders in their communities. Critics fear the policy marginalizes homosexual men who look to Morehouse College as a means for success.

The university has a strong reputation, but a strong reputation can be destroyed much quicker than it is built.